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26/11 attacks plotted by LeT and ISI officers Details on page 9

'Holiday Toy Drive' attracts hearts & minds

VOL 20, No. 1058

December 26, 2014

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Periodical Postage

STRONG BJP SHOW IN HUNG J&K VERDICT All set to form govt in Jharkhand

SRINAGAR/RANCHI: The Modi magic continued to make waves with the BJP registering its best performance yet in Jammu & Kashmir in the assembly elections although it fell well short of a majority, landing 25 of 87 seats. In a heavily-fractured verdict the regional People's Democratic Party (PDP) was in first place with 28 seats throwing many possibilities in government formation. The

BJP however is all set to form government in Jharkhand in coalition with ally AJSU. With 28 seats, the PDP was in a pole position to form the government but the party appeared to be keeping all options open like the BJP which has won 25 seats, all in the Jammu region.

Details on page 5

Details on page 25

Sushma Swaraj

PIO, OCI cards merger to be notified at PBD Details on page 6

Modi has plan of action for India: Tulsi Details on page 6

Pak govt fails to act on Lakhvi's bail Details on page 8

USITC blames Indian trade policies

UN panel drops 'sahib' from Saeed name

Details on page 12

Details on page 8

India cuts exposure to US govt securities

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 48

Details on page 12

Community Post -------------- 16-26 Date Book -------------------------- 47

INDIA POST SURVEY

Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 32-35

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Horoscope ------------------------- 49

This week’s question

Immigration Post ------------- 44-46

Will BJP make an impact on lives of Kashmiris?

Life Style ----------------------- 50-52 Philosophy ------------------------- 53

Last week’s result

Vivek Murthy will face problems with gun lobby?

YES 32%

NO 68%

GHAR WAPASI: Indian American Richard Verma being sworn in as the US Ambassador to India by Secretary of State John Kerry, at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department in Washington DC on December 19. (Details on page 8)

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Publisher’s Diary

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his is the last one for the year and I close it with some new trepidation as we wait to ring in the New Year. I am sure you see what I am seeing - the dramatic new challenges the country is beginning to face in strife whether domestic or from the outside.

I mean, this whole new dimension to race relations that has arisen over the past few months across the country is disturbing enough to make me wonder what lay in store for us as an immigrant nation; and on the other end, with the ongoing imbroglio over the cyber attack on Sony allegedly by North Korea, I am fascinated by the possibilities of the new global war weapon - the Internet.

So you see where this is going? While on the ground we seem to have gone back more than 60 years by exposing our racial vulnerabilities, in the virtual space, we are witnessing the onset of what was till now a futuristic, scripted-byHollywood kind of cyber warfare upon us.

Who needs guns and soldiers when you have a bunch of geeky hackers perhaps sitting in comfortable environs hitting the right code that can bring to knees mighty corporations such as Sony Pictures? And a hack is all it takes to cripple a nation.

So whether it's this New Year or the years to come in future, are we as a government, as a corporation and as a people equipped materially and morally to deal with issues as diverse on a spectrum as race relations and cyber war?

My own take is that world over, the more we advance technologically, the more we fall back sociologically where archaic issues like race, caste, sex, language, religion continue to be the cause of communal and ethnic violence.

Less than a week since the cyber attack on Sony's systems, the US retaliated (although not acknowledged officially) by crippling North Korea's internet itself.

And that I would think was easier to deal with than dealing with the raging White cop-Black suspect conflict, which is far more deep rooted than we cared to imagine in so many years.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Ex-lovers roped in Ex-lovers Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor have been re-united for 'Udta Punjab' directed by Abhishek Chaubey

Cover Story: Modi magic The Modi magic continued to make waves with the BJP registering its best performance yet in Jammu & Kashmir

Community: Five honored Namam honored five individuals who have made valuable contributions to the Indian-American community

Search for documents The search for documents is on for immigrants living illegally in the U.S. who may qualify for reprieve from deportation

Life style: Fine dining in Geneva Highly recommended Rasoi is the first Michelin-star fine dining Indian restaurant in Geneva

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India blamed Restrictive Indian trade policies have delayed American export and investment to India, a USITC report has said

Pondicherry Striking red soil and deep green vegetation, consisting mainly of cashew, palm and neem, form a stunning landscape.

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Strong BJP show in hung J&K verdict All set to form govt in Jharkhand SRINAGAR/RANCHI: The Modi magic continued to make waves with the BJP registering its best performance yet in Jammu & Kashmir in the assembly elections although it fell well short of a majority, landing 25 of 87 seats. In a heavily-fractured verdict the regional People's Democratic Party (PDP) was in first place with 28 seats throwing many possibilities in government formation. The BJP however is all set to form government in Jharkhand in coalition with ally AJSU. With 28 seats, the PDP was in a pole position to form the gov-

the BJP which has won 25 seats, all in the Jammu region.

The BJP's success in Jharkhand comes on top of its victory in Maharashtra and Haryana in the recent assembly elections after the stupendous victory in Lok Sabha polls.

However, the BJP, for whom Prime Minister Narendra Modi carried out an extensive 'Mission 44+' campaign in the 87 member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, failed to make any breakthrough in the Valley and Ladakh where it drew a blank in 50 seats.

However, the party had more than doubled its seats from 11 in 2008 to 25 now while the PDP went up from 21 to 28.

The ruling National Conference was routed when it secured only 19 seats against 28 it had won in the last elections.

Chief Minister and NC President Omar Abdullah lost from Sonawar seat but managed to cling on to Beerwah with a slender margin of 1000 votes.

Its partner in the government Congress President of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) slipped to the fourth poMehbooba Mufti addressing a Press sition getting 12 seats Conference after her party’s win in assembly against 17 it had. Jammu elections,at her residence in Srinagar Kashmir People Conferon December 23 ence headed by former ernment but the party appeared separatist Sajjad Lone won two to be keeping all options open like seats while JKPDF (secular) and

BJP President Amit Shah flashes victory sign as party general secretary incharge of Jharkhand Bhupendra Yadav and Union Minister Jitendra Singh look on during the celebration over party’s victory in J&K and Jharkhand Assembly polls, at BJP headquarters in New Delhi on December 23

CPI-M won one seat each. Independents won in three seats.

As the picture became clear, BJP President Amit Shah said all three options were open for the party.

"The option of forming the government, the option of supporting a government and the option of participating in a government are all open," Shah told reporters in Delhi.

To further questions, he said it is for the media to guess what the BJP would do. The party's parliamentary board will meet to discuss the situation.

In Srinagar, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also kept everyone guessing.

"Our priority will not be to cobble together a government by hook or crook. It will take time to

Omar hints at possibility of NC backing PDP SRINAGAR: The outgoing Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has hinted at an intriguing possibility of supporting his party National Conference's (NC) bitter political rival PDP in forming a government

in the state after the hung verdict in the Assembly polls.

Mufti Mohammed Sayeed's PDP has emerged as the single largest party with 28 seats, 16 short of a majority in the 87-member legislature. BJP got 25 seats

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah being greeted by his supporters as he comes out from a counting station after his win from Beerwah Assembly constituency, in Budgam on December 23

and NC 17, including two Independents supported by it, followed by the Congress with 12 seats.

PDP's options are either to align with BJP or cobble together a government with the support of Congress and some independents.

Support from NC has never been considered as an option by political observers.

Introducing a new element in the scenario, Omar told PTI that it was for PDP to approach him. "I don't rule out or rule in anything thereafter," he said.

Reminded that NC's support to PDP has never been envisaged, Omar said, "was Mr Nitish Kumar's coming together with Mr Lalu Prasad Yadav in Bihar ever thought of?"

He virtually ruled out any support to the BJP, saying that there was only one per cent likelihood of that. "I am leaving one per cent crack open."-PTI

explore possibilities and formation of government to meet the people's expectations and good governance. It is difficult to say when it will materialize," she told reporters.

Outgoing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also did not reveal his

party's plan except to claim that the National Conference cannot be ignored in the current situation.

"The NC will be a serious player in whatever unveils in Jammu and Kashmir in the next few days," he said.

Interestingly, BJP has emerged the largest party in terms of vote share in Jammu and Kashmir securing 23 per cent votes despite the washout in terms of seats in the Valley and Ladakh.

The PDP came next with 22.7 per cent, National Conference got 20.8 per cent while Congress recorded 18 per cent of votes.

Jharkhand, a state that was formed 14 years ago, got its first stable government with BJP winning in 33 seats while leading in 4 seats in the 81-member Assembly.

It ally AJSU has won five seats giving the alliance 42 seats, one more than the required majority of 41.

Cont’d on page 6

BJP Party workers celebrate after Jharkhand Assembly Election results declared at state party office, Harmu in Ranchi on December 23

PM hails BJP workers in J-K, Jharkhand NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed BJP workers in Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand, saying the results of Assembly polls in these states were an outcome of their hard work and selfless dedication.

"My congratulations to the BJP Karyakartas of Jharkhand and J&K. The results are the outcome of their hardwork & selfless dedication," he tweeted as the election results showed a remarkable performance by BJP in these states.

Referring to Jammu and Kashmir, he said the record turn-

out in the polls there "showed people's faith in democracy. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for placing their confidence in BJP".

With regard to Jharkhand, he said the people of the state have "voted for stability, which is essential to realize the true potential of the State. I congratulate them."

His tweet came when the party was set form the government on its own in the state which has seen political instability ever since it came into existence 14 years back because of fractured mandate all along.-PTI

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PIO, OCI cards merger to be announced at PBD NEW DELHI: Ahead of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj has said the government will merge PIO (Person of Indian Origin) and OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards.

The announcement of the merger is expected to take place during the event, scheduled in Gujarat from January 7 to 9.

"We will merge the two cards," Swaraj said, while announcing the event at a press meet. One of the main takeaways from the merger will be that PIO cardholders, like OCI cardholders, will get a lifetime visa. Swaraj also said President of the Republic of Guyana Donald Ramotar will be chief guest for the event, which will be inaugurated

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The event will be attended by at least 10 CMs, including those of UP, Kerala and Nagaland. The CMs of BJP-ruled states, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana and Maharashtra will be present.

Of the 3,000 NRIs and PIOs attending the event, maximum participants are from the United Arab Emirates.

The NDA government will showcase initiatives like Make in India, Clean Ganga and economic reforms during the event.

The 13th edition of the annual

Union Minister for External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs, Sushma Swaraj addressing a press conference on the forthcoming 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)-2015 to be held from 7-9 January 2015 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in New Delhi on December 22. Chief Minister of Gujarat, Anandiben Patel, Minister of State for Statistics and Program Implementation (I/C), External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs, General (Retd.) V.K. Singh and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge) Sarbananda Sonowal are also seen

event is significant this year as it will mark the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi's return from South Africa. Foreign Minister of South Africa has also been invited.

President Pranab Mukherjee will confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to distinguished Indians overseas on January 9.

The event will also see Union ministers participating in plenary sessions on themes like Oppor-

tunities in India, Smart Cities and Urban Planning, Skill Development and Tourism.

Asked why Gujarat was chosen for the event, Swaraj said Modi as Gujarat CM had four years ago requested his predecessor Manmohan Singh to hold the 13th edition of the event in Gujarat to commemorate the centenary of Gandhi's return from South Africa.-Agencies

Modi has plan of action for India: Tulsi BENGALURU: Recalling Prime has strong vision for where he Minister Narendra Modi's visit to would like to see India and the opAmerica, US Congress member Tulsi Gabbard described him as "man on a mission" and as leader with "plan of action" for India.

"I think that many of the elected leaders who were there (Madison Square Garden) were not quite prepared for the electric energy that was in that room and the excitement, I can guarantee you none of us get welcome like that anywhere we go," Gabbard said.

Speaking at an event hosted by NASSCOM here, she said "....I think that for the elected offiUS Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard shows the cials who were there and Srimad Bhagwad Geeta gifted to her during an even those who didn't event on Entrepreneurship in India in Bengaluru on December 21 go, but heard about it later and wished that they had gone, I think they rec- portunity that is there...." "He is a ognized that Prime Minister Modi man on a mission and he has a

plan of action - that was made very clear.....," she said.

The sole Hindu member of the US Congress and a Democrat Representative from Hawaii is currently on visit to India. Hailing Modi's initiative on International Yoga Day, Gabbard said "....I have been a practitioner of Bhakti Yoga and Karma Yoga, I look forward to working with him to be able to help bring that about, the understanding about the whole practice of Yoga...."

Speaking about her visit to India, she said "....this trip is not only professional but is of spiritual significance for me, as a devotee of Lord Krishna and a follower of Bhagavad Gita, I will be going and spending some time in Vrindavan, and visiting some holy places there."

"It is a great opportunity to see how we can highlight the opportunities that exist between our two countries, how we can strengthen the partnership and the friendship between United States and India," she said.-PTI

Voting by NRIs solution soon: Swaraj NEW DELHI: Ahead of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas next month, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has voiced confidence about finding a solution to voting by NRIs without coming to India.

The Election Commission was considering the issue, she said.

"The Election Commission could not take a decision so far.

There are two-three suggestions. I think a solution will be found out soon to address the difficulty of coming here and vote," Swaraj said responding to a question on the issue at a press conference here.

Elaborating on the suggestions, Swaraj said there was a view that Electronic Voting Machines can be kept in embassies while another view was that right of proxy voting can be given to NRIs so that they can authorize people to vote on their behalf.

The 13th edition of three-day Pravasi Bhartiya Divas will be held from January 7 in Gandhinagar in

Gujarat. It has been a long-standing demand of NRIs to facilitate voting in their countries of residence.

In July, Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath had said that the Election Commission favors proxy voting and e-ballot for NRIs but not voting in Indian embassies abroad.

He had said that any move to allow NRIs use proxy voting on the lines of defense personnel and e-ballot facility will require changes in the law.

As per provisions of the Representation of People Act, a person who is a citizen of India and who has not acquired the citizenship of any other country and is otherwise eligible to be registered as a voter and who is absent from his place of ordinary residence in India owing to employment, education or otherwise, is eligible to be registered as a voter.

The provision says he will able to vote in the place which is mentioned in his passport as place of residence in India. -PTI

Strong BJP show in hung J&K verdict Cont’d from page 5

The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha won 18 seats and was leading in one more while its partner in government Congress won four seats and was leading in two.

While BJP numbers doubled up from 18 in 2009 to 37 this election, JMM's numbers improved by one from 18 to 19 despite the loss of government. Chief Minister Hemant Soren won from Barhait by a good

margin of 24,087 votes while lost in Dumka by a 5,262 votes.

JVM (P) headed by former Chief Minister Babu Lal Marandi has won seven seats and was leading in one compared to 11 seats it had won in the last elections.

The BJP also led in the vote share recording 31.4 per cent votes while JMM secured 20.5 per cent. Congress got 10.3 per cent votes while the JVM (P) got 10 per cent.-PTI & agencies

December 26, 2014

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Verma sworn in as US Ambassador to India WASHINGTON: Richard Rahul Verma, who quietly played a key role in the Congressional passage of the civil nuclear deal and a strong advocate of deepening Indo-US ties, has been sworn in as the US Ambassador to New

ate by a voice vote.

Verma, who quietly played an important role in the Congressional passage of civil nuclear deal with India, had advocated for strong Indo-US ties when in the administration and recently

Indian American Richard Verma with Dr Sampat Shivangi, National President of Indian American Forum for Political Education, after being sworn-in as the US Ambassador to India, in Washington DC on December 19. Shivangi campaigned for Verma

Delhi, becoming the first ever Indian-American to hold the post.

46-year-old was sworn in by Secretary of State John Kerry at the State department here.

Verma is scheduled to arrive in India ahead of Kerry's visit to Delhi next month. US President Barack Obama will arrive in late January to attend the Republic Day Parade on January 26 as the Chief Guest.

He was confirmed by the Sen-

started "India 2020" project at Centre for American Progress - a top American-think tank.

He will replace Nancy Powell, who resigned in March after a damaging row over the treatment of diplomat Devyani Khobragade over visa fraud charges.

The US Embassy in New Delhi is currently headed by a charge d'affaires, Kathleen Stephens.

Verma's association with Obama goes back to 2008 when

he worked on presidential debate preparations for the then Illinois senator.

He served as Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs under Hillary Clinton from 2009 to 2011, and was a senior counselor at law firm Steptoe & Johnson as well as the Albright Stonebridge Group.

"Known as a talented leader and manager, he is recognized for his many years of experience working on high-level policy in the federal government, in the private sector and with non-governmental organizations, especially on matters relating to the affairs of South Asia and India, including political-military relations," according to his profile on the State Department website.

His knowledge and ability to set the agenda will enable him to strengthen bilateral relations with India, a pivotal nation of critical global importance to the US, it said. His parents came to the US in the early 1960s.

"It is a day of celebration for Indian Americans," said Dr Sampat Shivangi, national president of Indian American Forum for Political Education.

"Verma deserves this worthy appointment due to his dedication and well deserved respect he commands from President Obama and entire US Congress and the nation," said Shivangi, one of the few Indian-Americans invited to attend the swearing in ceremony at the State Department. The event was closed for the press. -PTI

Air India hosts Star Alliance chiefs' meeting India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Air India played host to the first-ever Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB) meeting in India. This follows the national carrier's joining the world's longest serving and most comprehensive airline alliance in July this year.

Speaking to both local and foreign media in New Delhi, Rohit Nandan, CMD Air India, thanked all CEOs for traveling to India and for a productive two-day meeting.

He stressed upon the fact that Air India has been vastly improving its performance parameters in all the areas by constantly upgrading its service standards in every area of its operation. Air India becoming a member of the prestigious Star Alliance is a key pillar of the airline's turnaround strategy, along with the fleet renewal,

network optimization and an initiative to improve quality of service.

Nandan added that the cooperation with the Star Alliance member airlines is of mutual interest and will grow from strength to strength. "We are looking at closer interaction with member airlines and have signed a code share agreement with Air Canada besides signing MOUs with Avianca and EVA Air recently. By March we aim at having code share agreements with most Star Alliance member airlines".

Thanking Rohit Nandan for hosting the CEB meeting, Mark Schwab, Star Alliance CEO, assured him of the Alliance's support in this endeavor. Schwab reiterated the importance of having Air India in Star Alliance. "India is the world's fifth largest domestic aviation market and will

continue to grow both domestically and internationally. It is therefore essential for Star Alliance to have a strong presence in this market".

Through Air India, Star Alliance customers have access to an additional 40 airports in India as well as more flights across the region. With its hubs in Delhi and Mumbai, Air India adds further flight options on routes to North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific.

Calin Rovinescu, President and CEO of Air Canada and current Chairman of the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board, thanked both Nandan and Schwab, for achieving the Air India integration in record time. The Alliance would also concentrate on further improving customers' end to end journeys, by enhancing the airport experience, Rovinescu added.

Pak govt fails to act on Lakhvi's bail, court vacations begin ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government again failed to file a plea challenging the bail to Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, the key planner of 2008 Mumbai attacks, on the last working day for courts ahead of a two-week winter break, citing that the judge has not released the copy of the order.

The prosecution, which was supposed to challenge Islamabad

Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi

Anti-Terrorism Court's decision to grant bail to Lashkar-e-Taiba operations commander Lakhvi in the High Court, could not do so as it failed to get a copy of the ATC's order for the second day.

"The winter holidays of courts mean the government may not file the plea against Lakhvi's bail till January 8," a court official told PTI. The court, however, may take up cases of "very important nature," he said.

The High Courts and the Supreme Court of Pakistan will ob-

serve winter holidays till January 8.

The official expressed surprise over the Islamabad anti-terrorism court's "reluctance" to hand over the copy of the bail order to the government while it wasted no time to provide the release order of Lakhvi to the Adiala Jail Rawalpindi administration a day after it granted him bail on December 18.

"Today we again approached the court to get the copy of the order but we failed to get it because of the unknown reasons.

We are utterly surprised over it, "Prosecution Chief Chaudhry Azhar told PTI. "I cannot say with certainty that the government would be able to file the appeal challenging Lakhvi's bail till January 8 as the courts will start observing winter vacation from Wednesday," he said.

ATC Islamabad Judge Kausar Abbas Zaidi on December 18 had granted bail to Lakhvi citing lack of evidence against him, but before he could be released from the jail, the government detained him for three more months under Public Maintenance Order in Adiala Jail where the trial is being held.

The decision to grant bail to Lakhvi, 54, drew sharp criticism from India and surprised many for its timing, just days after Taliban massacred 148 people, mostly school children, in Peshawar.-PTI

UN panel removes 'sahib' from Saeed's name UNITED NATIONS: A UN Security Council panel has issued a "revised" letter removing the term 'sahib' from the name of Mumbai terror attack mastermind and JuD chief Hafiz Saeed, saying it regrets the mistake after India objected to the use of the salutation.

The chair of the Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee issued a revised letter in which it has "regretted the mistake" in the previous letter dated December 17.

The committee's chair is Gary Quinlan, who is the Permanent Representative of Australia to the UN. Quinlan had made the reference to Saeed in the communication on information regarding banned terror organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Saeed,

the founder of LeT. The new letter clearly mentions the correct primary name of the Pakistani terrorist as Hafiz Mohammed Saeed.

Hafiz Saeed

The United Nations had declared JuD a terrorist organization in December 2008. Saeed himself is a UN-designated terrorist.-PTI

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Deadly 'near-misses' in spycraft history resulted in 26/11 NEW YORK: The 26/11 Mumbai attacks happened as a result of one of the "most devastating near-misses in the history of spycraft" in which the US, British and Indian spy agencies failed to pull together all the strands gathered by their high-tech surveillance to thwart the assault on

Mumbai Killings, Piles of Spy Data, but an Uncompleted Puzzle' said "that hidden history of the Mumbai attacks reveals the vulnerability as well as the strengths of computer surveillance and intercepts as a counter-terrorism weapon."

"What happened next may

India's financial capital, according to an investigative report.

A detailed report by the New York Times, ProPublica and the PBS series 'Frontline' titled 'In 2008

rank among the most devastating near-misses in the history of spycraft. The intelligence agencies of the three nations did not pull together all the strands gath-

ered by their high-tech surveillance and other tools, which might have allowed them to disrupt a terror strike so scarring that it is often called India's 9/11," said the lengthy report.

Citing classified documents leaked by Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor, it said although electronic eavesdropping often yields valuable data, even "tantalizing" clues can be missed if the technology is not closely monitored, the intelligence gleaned from it is not linked with other information, or analysis does not sift incriminating activity from the ocean of digital data.

In one of the most glaring intelligence failures, the report said Indian and British intelligence agencies monitored online activities of a key 26/11 planner Zarrar Shah, the technology chief of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, "but couldn't connect the dots" before the attacks that killed 166 people, including six Americans.

In the fall of 2008, Shah "roamed from outposts in the northern mountains of Pakistan to safe houses near the Arabian Sea, plotting mayhem in Mumbai, India's commercial gem."

Cont’d on page 11

26/11 attacks plotted by LeT and some ISI officers NEW YORK: The 26/11 attacks were plotted by the LeT and some officers of Pakistan's powerful ISI as a commando-style assault in India that would "dwarf" previous operations after their alliance came under strain when the terror group pushed for Western targets, a report said today.

A detailed investigative report by the New York Times,

came "under strain as some of the militants pushed for a Qaedastyle war on the West," the report said.

"As a result, some ISI officers and terror chiefs decided that a spectacular strike was needed to restore Lashkar's cohesion and burnish its image," the report said, citing interviews and court files.

"The plan called for a com-

"They either weren't looking or didn't understand what it all meant," said one former American official who had access to the intelligence. "There was a lot more noise than signal. There usually is."

ProPublica and the PBS series 'Frontline' titled 'In 2008 Mumbai Killings, Piles of Spy Data, but an Uncompleted Puzzle,' said that LeT, whose initial focus was India and Kashmir, later became increasingly interested in the West.

Lashkar-e-Taiba's alliance with the ISI, its "powerful patron",

mando-style assault in India that could also hit Americans, Britons and Jews there. The target was the centerpiece of Indian prosperity: Mumbai.

"Lashkar's chiefs developed a plot that would dwarf previous operations," the report said.

Reflecting LeT's western ambi-

tions were plots to carry out attacks in Australia in 2003 and recruiting, buying equipment and raising funds in North America and Europe.

"The US intelligence community - on multiple occasions between June and November 2008 warned the Indian government about Lashkar threats in Mumbai," said Brian Hale, a spokesman for the director of the Office of National Intelligence.

"The information identified several potential targets in the city, but we did not have specific information about the timing or the method of attack."

"Whatever the reason, no one fully grasped the developing Mumbai conspiracy," the report said.

"They either weren't looking or didn't understand what it all meant," said one former American official who had access to the intelligence. "There was a lot more noise than signal. There usually is." -PTI

Agencies missed signals about Headley's involvement NEW YORK: There were a claiming that he was a terrorist series of "missed signals" about carrying out missions in India, Pakistani-American David the report said.

Headley's involvement in the 26/ Following the Mumbai at11 Mumbai attacks even though tack, Hadley's "unguarded he had exchanged "highly sus- emails" reflected euphoria about picious" emails with his LeT and LeT's success.

ISI handlers before and after the An exchange with his Pakiassault, an investigative report stani wife in Chicago continued said. a long string of incriminating A detailed report by the New electronic communications by York Times, ProPublica and the Headley written in a transparPBS series 'Frontline' titled 'In ent code, according to investi2008 Mumbai Killings, Piles of gators and case files. "I watched Spy Data, but an Uncompleted Puzzle' said The report quoted court Headley's name records and American "did not appear" in counterterrorism officials as the "stacks of intelligence reports" saying that Headley had from India, the US "also exchanged highly and UK that began piling up following suspicious emails with his the 26/11 Mumbai LeT and ISI handlers before attacks in 2008 that and after the Mumbai left 166 people dead.

"None of the in- attacks." telligence streams from the US Britain or India had the movie the whole day," she yet identified him as a conspira- wrote, congratulating him on his tor," it said. "graduation."

The report quoted court About a week later, Headley records and American hinted at his inside information counterterrorism officials as in an email to fellow alumni of a saying that Headley had "also Pakistani military school exchanged highly suspicious Tahawwur Rana. emails with his LeT and ISI hanWriting about the terrorists dlers before and after the who carried out the mayhem in Mumbai attacks."

Mumbai, he said: "Yes they were The US' National Security only 10 kids, guaranteed. I hear Agency collected some of his 2 were married with a daughter emails, but did not realize his in- each under 3 years old." volvement until he became the His subsequent emails contarget of an FBI probe in July 2009 relating to a terror attack he was plotting with the LeT against a Danish newspaper that had published cartoons of the Prophet.

"Almost immediately" after the Mumbai attacks, Headley began pursuing the new plot against the Danish newspaper.

Following a trip to Denmark in January 2009, Headley sent messages to his fellow conspirators and emailed himself a reconnaissance checklist of sorts, with terms like "Counter-surveillance" and "King's Square" the site of the newspaper.

David Headley "Those emails capped a series of missed signals involving tained several dozen news meHeadley," the report said, add- dia photos of the Mumbai siege. ing that the FBI had conducted The report said after discloat least four inquiries into alle- sures of widespread NSA surveilgations about his extremist ac- lance, American officials claimed tivity between 2001 and 2008. that bulk collection of electronic One of Headley's three communications led to Hadley's wives, Faiza Outalha, a Moroc- eventual arrest. Headley pleaded can, had visited the US Embassy guilty for his role in the Mumbai in Islamabad three times between attacks and was sentenced to 35 December 2007 and April 2008, years in prison. -PTI

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Minister advises caution on marrying foreigners RUCHIT SHAH India Post News Service

AHMEDABAD: Pradeepsinh Jadeja, the Gujarat Minister of State for Law, Judiciary, Legal Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs and NRG Cell, has sent out a red alert for youngsters seeking marriage with foreigners and NRIs. Addressing an Awareness Seminar on Marriages outside India on Monday December 22, here organized jointly by Gujarat State Non- Residents' Gujarati Foundation, Non-Resident Gujarati Centre and Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he Ahmedabad Seminar participants. Gujarat Minister Pradeepsinh Jadeja is fourth from left

observed that all that glitters is not gold and that marrying foreigners just for the sake of going abroad may prove disastrous if adequate care is not taken. "Without understanding the consequences fully, it can prove disastrous. It is important that before taking any step in that direction, proper enquiry is made and the antecedents of the foreigner should be verified thoroughly," Jadeja observed.

He congratulated the NRG Centre for holding such seminars frequently and creating awareness amongst the Gujaratis about the pros and cons of marrying foreigners. He appealed to all to join for the Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas program to be held at Gandhinagar from 7th to 9th January, 2015.

Dr. M.N. Patel, Vice Chancellor, Gujarat University, mentioned that marriages as per Indian customs and traditions is a lifelong affair and therefore utmost care should be taken before entering into nuptial ties with a relatively unknown person residing outside the country.

Lilaben Ankoliya, Chairperson, Gujarat State Commission for Women, Gandhinagar, gave an overview of the functioning of the Women Commission and mentioned that various Central as well as State Government agencies were available for assistance. She also informed that the Commission was always available to help married women. Nari Adalats have been set up across the State. The Commission works independently without interference from the courts and police stations.

Rohit N. Patel, Senior Advocate, Gujarat High Court, provided detailed overview of the legal provisions pertaining to marriage with a foreigner. Patel emphasized the necessity of having the marriage registered in India and obtaining a marriage certificate. All citizens should have Indian passport as that is the only authentic document recognized world wide.

Rakesh R. Shah, President, Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the distinguished guests and observed that the NRG Centre was doing extremely good work in this regard.

Balwantsinh Chavda, Director, Gujarat State Non-Resident Gujaratis' Foundation, Gandhinagar and i K.H. Patel, Chairman, NRG Centre, GCCI Ahmedabad also addressed the participants and provided a detailed overview of the Foundation and the Ahmedabad Centre respectively.

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LeT tech chief posed as Indian businessman to buy VoIP NEW YORK: Pakistan-based LeT's technology chief had posed as an Indian businessman while negotiating to buy from an American company a Voice-overInternet Phone service that was later used by the LeT handlers to communicate with 26/11 attackers while concealing their actual origin.

Shah, contacted the New Jersey company, "posing online as an Indian reseller of telephone services named Kharak Singh, purporting to be based in Mumbai.

"His Indian persona started haggling" over the price of the VoIP that had been chosen because it would make calls between Pakistan and the terrorists in

"its not first time in my life i am purchasing in this VOIP business," (sic) Shah said in shaky English, to an official with the company when he thought the asking price was too high, according to British intelligence documents quoted in the report Zarrar Shah, a 30-year-old computer expert, was the technology chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba, and had set up an internet phone system to disguise his location during the 26/11 attacks by routing his calls through New Jersey.

A detailed investigative report by the New York Times, ProPublica and the PBS series 'Frontline' titled 'In 2008 Mumbai Killings, Piles of Spy Data, but an Uncompleted Puzzle,' said that

Mumbai appear as if they were originating in Austria and New Jersey, it said. "its not first time in my life i am purchasing in this VOIP business," (sic) Shah said in shaky English, to an official with the company when he thought the asking price was too high, according to British intelligence documents quoted in the report. "i am using these services from 2 years."

Deadly 'near-misses' in spycraft history resulted in 26/11 Cont’d from page 9

He was, however, unaware that

by September, the British were spying on many of his online activities, tracking his Internet searches and messages, the report said.

"They were not the only spies watching. Shah drew similar scrutiny from an Indian intelligence agency," it said, citing a former official briefed on the operation.

While the US was unaware of the two agencies' efforts, it had picked up signs of a plot through other electronic and human sources, and warned Indian security officials several times in the months before the attack, the report said.

The report quoted former National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon as saying that "no one put together the whole picture," referring to the intelligence gathered by the US, Indian and British agencies months before the attacks.

"Not the Americans, not the Brits, not the Indians...only once the shooting started did everyone share" what they had, largely in meetings between British and Indian officials, and then "the picture instantly came into focus," said Menon, who was the

foreign secretary at the time of the attacks.

The British had access to a trove of data from Shah's communications, but contend that the information was not specific enough to detect the threat.

The Indians did not home in on the plot even with the alerts from the United States, the report said.

Among the most significant clues "slipped" by the Americans was related to Pakistani-American David Headley, who had scouted targets in Mumbai for the attacks and exchanged incriminating emails with plotters that went unnoticed until shortly before his arrest in Chicago in late 2009.

US counterterrorism agencies also did not pursue reports from his unhappy wife, who told American officials long before the killings began that he was a Pakistani terrorist conducting mysterious missions in Mumbai, the report said.

"We didn't see it coming," a former top US intelligence official said. "We were focused on many other things - Al Qaeda, Taliban, Pakistan's nuclear weapons, the Iranians. It's not that things were missed - they were never put together." -PTI

Shah had set up the VoIP service through the New Jersey company, ensuring that many of his calls to the terrorists would bear the area code 201, concealing their actual origin.

In November 2008 however, the company's owner wrote to the fictitious Indian reseller Singh, complaining that no traffic was running on the digital phone network.

"Dear Sir, i will send trafic by the end of this month," (sic) Shah said in his ominous reply.

In a plan to pin the blame on Indian Muslims for the attacks, Shah had typed a statement of responsibility for the attack from the Hyderabad Deccan Mujahadeen - a fake Indian organization.

Early on November 26, Shah emailed a draft of the phony claim to an underling with orders to send it to the news media later,

according to American and Indian counterterrorism officials.

The report described Shah as a "digitally savvy operative" who

had "strong ties to Pakistani intelligence and an intense hatred for India."

"As he made his plan, he searched on his laptop for weak communication security in Eu-

rope, spent time on a site designed to conceal browsing history, and searched Google News for "Indian American naval exercises" presumably so the seagoing attackers would not blunder into an overwhelming force," it said.

In mid-September, during a session, which took place in a huge "media room" in a remote camp on the border with Jammu and Kashmir, Shah and fellow plotters used Google Earth and other material to show Ajmal Kasab and nine other terrorists their targets in Mumbai, according to court testimony.-PTI

Tech News SpiceJet presents revival plan to govt NEW DELHI: Struggling budget carrier SpiceJet has presented a revival plan to the government, which will be discussed with oil companies and banks before taking a final decision regarding the airline, official sources said.

The airline's original investor Ajay Singh is in discussion with

two US-based private equity investors to get them onboard but it will take a while before the proposal takes a concrete shape.

"SpiceJet has already presented a revival plan to the Civil Aviation Ministry, which will now discuss it with other stake holders like the oil companies and banks," the sources said here.

The airline has also sought credit payment facility of 15-30 days by the oil companies on the lines on the one provided to other airlines in the country, according to the sources.-PTI

Truecaller to set up R&D centre in India STOCKHOLM: Phone directory app Truecaller, which has nearly half of its 100 million users in India, will expand its base in the country with a research and development (R&D) centre and more marketing personnel.

Started in 2009 by Alan Mamedi and Nami Zarringhalam, the Swed-

TechBiz 12 India Post

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December 26, 2014

Phee Teik Yeoh ,CEO, Vistara, with others during an event where Tata Group-owned Vistara unveiled the first cabin look of its cabin, in New Delhi on December 22

Indian trade policies delayed American exports to India: USITC WASHINGTON: Restrictive Indian trade policies have delayed American export and investment to India, a USITC report has said with the US lawmakers asking the Narendra Modi government to address these significant areas of concern as both countries work to strengthen economic relations.

"US exports to and investment in India would be significantly higher if not for Indian policy barriers," the US International Trade Commission (USITC) said in its report "Trade, Investment, and Industrial Policies in India: Effects on the US Economy."

Prepared at the request of lawmakers, the report provides information on the effects of a wide range of Indian policies that limit US exports to and investment in India.

These policy measures include tariffs and customs procedures, foreign direct investment restrictions, local-content requirements, treatment of intellectual property, taxes and financial regulations, regulatory uncertainty, and other non tariff measures, such as unclear legal liability, price controls, and sanitary and phytosanitary standards.

"We remain concerned about systemic and continuing market

access barriers identified in the ITC's report that undermine a market-based path to development for India and diminish opportunities

Ranking Member Orrin Hatch in a joint statement.

"We urge the Indian government to address these significant

In an effort to obtain the most comprehensive and up-to-date information possible, in light of India's national elections, the four lawmakers requested in September that the Commission conduct a second investigation of India's trade and investment practices for US workers and businesses," said the House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp, Ranking Member Sander Levin (DMI), and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden and

areas of concern as the United States and India work to strengthen our economic relationship," the four American lawmakers said.

We are at a pivotal moment for

the US-India relationship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who recently took the helm of the Indian government, has spoken of a pro-growth vision for India. We are hopeful that we may see a deepening expansion of our longterm trade and investment relationship, which has already risen to nearly USD100 billion," the joint statement said.

In an effort to obtain the most comprehensive and up-to-date information possible, in light of India's national elections, the four lawmakers requested in September that the Commission conduct a second investigation of India's trade and investment practices, scheduled to be delivered to Congress on September 24, 2015.

The purpose of this second investigation is to seek information concerning India's policies since the first investigation, they said.

The report features the results of a USITC survey of US firms in selected industries that are currently doing business in India, a quantitative analysis (using economic modeling) of the effects of Indian policy measures on US workers and the US economy, and qualitative research into these effects.

Cont’d on page 14

India cuts exposure to US govt securities ish company provides with an application that helps a user search for contact information (based on name, number or address), identify incoming calls, block calls one does not want to receive, and make personal contact suggestions based on time and place.

The free mobile application shows name of the person calling to a user even if the number is not saved in the phone.

"India is a very unique market and when one starts growing in India, one can grow really fast. We have an office in Gurgaon. We will be adding more people in India next year for our marketing team", said Mamedi.-PTI

WASHINGTON: India has trimmed its holdings of US government securities to USD 77.5 billion at the end of October even

and South Africa - cut down their holdings of American government securities. Latest data from the US Treasury Department shows that

three-month low.

In August, the holdings were to the tune of USD 80.4 billion while it stood at USD 79.7 billion

Latest data from the US Treasury Department shows that India held securities worth USD 80 billion in September and further reduced its exposure to USD 77.5 billion in October as the world's largest economy is expanding at a moderate pace.

Apart from India, other BRICS nations - Brazil, Russia, China

India held securities worth USD 80 billion in September and further reduced its exposure to USD 77.5 billion in October - which is also a

in July. Interestingly, BRICS bloc has reduced their exposure to these securities at a time when America's economic activity is ex-

panding at a moderate rate.

While China remains the largest holder of American government securities, it cut down exposure to USD 1.25 trillion in October. During the same period, Brazil and Russia slashed their holdings to USD 261.7 billion and USD 108.9 billion, respectively.

In October, South Africa brought down its holdings of US government securities to USD 10.3 billion.

The United States saw its real GDP increase at an annual rate of 3.9 per cent in the three months ended September, according to official data released last month. -PTI

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Govt does not rule out Ordinance India to be 2nd largest for insurance sector reforms smartphone mkt by 2016 NEW DELHI: The Government appeared not to rule out the possibility of promulgating an Ordinance on insurance sector reforms.

"We will have to consider all possibilities right now because the fact is that the country needs more investment in the insurance sector," Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha said when asked whether the government would look at the Ordinance route.

He attributed the non-passage of the Bill on the last day of Winter session of Parliament to "political obstructionism", after opposition Members in Rajya Sabha disrupted proceedings.

The Insurance Laws Amendment Bill 2008, among other things, seek to increase the composite foreign investment limit in insurance companies to 49 per cent from current level of 26 per cent.

The 49 per cent cap would include both FDI and foreign portfolio investments.

"We need the skills and the expertise that foreign insurance companies do provide. So we have to really think through all the different alternatives. We need to ensure that the product and services (related to insurance) are available

to all the people of India," the Minister told reporters outside Parliament.

Pointing out the government

pass the Bill," Sinha said.

According to him, the Bill is sorely needed to ensure insurance for more people and that there was

had done everything possible in this regard, Sinha said the select committee, under Chandan Mitra, did a good job.

"It was ready to be passed in the Rajya Sabha this time... But again there was political obstructionism and we were not able to

the media that the Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) along with the state government would construct a port in the Sagar Islands at an investment of Rs 12,000 crore.

He said that there was also a

Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Nitin Gadkari addressing a press conference, in Kolkata on December 23. Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee is also seen

economy.

Gadkari, who met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the state secretariat here, told

by 2018 over one-third of consumers worldwide (or more than 2.56 billion people) will do so, it said.

Smartphone users globally will surpass 2 billion in 2016 after nearly getting there in 2015. In 2015, there will be over 1.91 billion smartphone users across the globe, a figure that will increase another 12.6 per cent to near 2.16 billion in 2016, the research firm said.

The number of active smartphone users around the world hit the 1 billion-mark last year (1.31 billion) with China leading the tally at 436.1 million, the US (143.9 million), India (76 million), Japan (40.5 million) and Russia (35.8 million), it added.

"Inexpensive smartphones are opening new opportunities for

lion), Russia (65.1 million) and Japan (61.2 million).

In 2014, China will have an estimated 519.7 million smartphone users followed by the US at 165.3 million, India (123.3 million), Japan (50.8 million) and Russia (49 million), it added.

For the first time, more than a quarter of the global population will use smartphones in 2015 and

marketing and commerce in emerging markets where many consumers previously had no access to the Internet," eMarketer added.

However in mature and established markets, smartphones are quickly shifting the paradigm for consumer media usage and impressing the need for marketers to become more mobile- centric, it said. -PTI

Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha

a need for re-insurance industry to take off in the country.

"All of this is being blocked, because people want to oppose it, because of obstructionism... but people of India look through all of this very very quickly," the Minister said. -PTI

Gadkari announces investments in Bengal ports & roads KOLKATA: Minister for shipping, road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari has announced massive investments in ports and roads sector in West Bengal which would help boost the state's

NEW DELHI: India will surpass the US as the second largest market for smartphones globally by 2016, helped by device makers offering affordable handsets, research firm eMarketer said.

According to eMarketer, increasing penetration of affordable smart mobile devices in emerging markets will help smartphone users worldwide surpass the 2 billion-mark in 2016.

"India will exceed 200 million smartphone users, topping the US as the world's second largest smartphone market by 2016," eMarketer said in its latest report.

According to the report, China will continue to lead the rankings in 2016 with 624.7 million smartphone followed by India (204.1 million), the US (198.5 mil-

need to construct a bridge or an underground tunnel for this purpose in addition to a railway line, adding a consultant was to be ap-

pointed for this.

In addition to the Sagar port, Gadkari had also announced additional investments of Rs 3350 crore in the port sector like floating storages, dry bulk cargo handling terminal among others.

He said that the draft at Sagar where the port would come up was 13.5 meters which would enable big vessels to enter.

The minister said that Banerjee had assured of full cooperation from the state government side and these investments would boost the economy of the state.

Regarding the road sector, he said land acquisition was a problem.

The Centre had lined up investments worth Rs 6000 crore for the roads sector in the state.

Banerjee said that the state government would provide whatever support was required and extend full cooperation.

"Politics is politics and development is development", she said.

The chief minister also thanked Gadkari for taking the initiative for coming here along with a team of officials.-PTI

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Prabhu allays privatization fear, seeks private investment NEW DELHI: In the backdrop of railway unions voicing stiff opposition to any possibility of privatization in the rail sector, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has allayed the apprehension, saying there should not be any misgiving on it.

"The railways want private capital for carrying out its enormous task. Getting private capital is not harmful to public nor to anybody.

There should not be any misgiving about it. It is not privatization," he said in an informal chat with reporters here.

Station development, utilization of advertising space and commercialization of vacant land are some of the areas which are being explored by the railways for attracting private investment, besides allowing 100 per cent FDI in the rail sector.

Railway unions have been raising their voice against any move towards privatization in the railway sector.

Prabhu said at present, the railways is in the need of about Rs 6 lakh crore to Rs 8 lakh crore for completion of its all ongoing

projects.

He said a White Paper is being prepared to be presented in Parliament which will have all details.

"First, there will be a diagno-

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, he said the prevailing condition in the railways is the result of the policy pursued in the past few years.

"It is not because of recent hap-

Raghuram Rajan

to weaken RBI and even rumors about he being 'kicked up' from the Mint Street high seat.

As 2014 draws to a close, Rajan in his first full year as RBI Governor seems to have followed the principle laid out by former US Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke, who had famously said that "the central bank needs to be able to make policy without short term political concerns".

While demands and complaints

"We can earn Rs 10,000 crore from advertising alone. The scope and benefit for advertisers in railways are much more than other areas as there is a larger captive audi-

Union Minister for Railways, Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu commissioning the 30 kW Solar Plant, at roof top of Rail Bhawan, in New Delhi on December 23. Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha and other dignitaries are also seen

sis, then solution. White Paper is the diagnosis and then we will formulate a plan as a solution to the problems," he said When his attention was drawn towards the claim of Rs 90,000 crore surplus made by the then

pening. It is because of last 20/25 years that the railways has come to this pass," he said, without naming anybody.

"I am not blaming anybody for this. Whatever problems we will try to solve these," he added.

Rajan fights for RBI autonomy Pak, Russia sign USD 1.7-bn amid rate cut rants MUMBAI: Raghuram Rajan says he is neither Superman nor James Bond, but he appears to have emerged as a 'lone ranger' fighting persistent rate cut demands, "schizophrenic" attempts

Emphasizing on the drastic need for improvement in the railways, he said, "Improvement in customer service, safety upgradation, and modernization of

continued to pour in regularly from the government and the industry for a rate cut, Rajan held onto RBI's fight against inflation and to maintain growth without budging once and rather surprised everyone with a rate hike in the very beginning of the year.

A senior official said there is something in the position of RBI Governor which makes the person occupying this seat someone completely different - one who never budges before any demand, neither from the industry nor from the government, unless it fits into RBI's scheme of things.

A seed of hope, however, has been sown by him with hints earlier this month that RBI may consider a rate cut in February if there is ample proof of inflation having been finally contained to comfortable levels.

In between, he survived widespread rumors about his "imminent" departure from RBI when a new government took charge in May, followed by another round of wild guesses currently on which talk about he being 'kicked up' to the post of first President of the newly proposed BRICS Bank.-PTI

energy deal

ISLAMABAD: For the first time, Pakistan and Russia have signed an energy deal worth USD 1.7 billion to lay a gas pipeline from Karachi to Lahore, a move that may lead to further improvement in their ties.

The supply of a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is expected to start before March next year, The Express Tribune reported.

The report cited unidentified officials saying the pipeline would be used to transport imported LNG from Karachi to Punjab province.

The energy agreement was signed during the day-long visit of Sergei Shoigu last month, the first visit by a Russian Defense Minister to Pakistan in 45 years.

The last visit to Pakistan was made

by Soviet Union's defense minister Andrey Grechko.

During Shoigu's visit, Islamabad and Moscow also inked a defense and military cooperation deal.

It is the first time Pakistan and Russia have signed an energy pact decades after the recent deal to increase military cooperation.

Pakistan, over the past few years, has carefully courted Russia to boost bilateral relations. Its former army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Russia in 2009 and 2012. -PTI

rail infrastructure is the need of the hour and these require money."

He further said there are two sources of getting additional funds. "One is passenger fare, the other is gross budgetary support (GBS)."

Prabhu, considered to be proreform said, "We need additional resources to improve customer service. Freight tariff is already high. Passengers will happily pay more if we improve service."

On attracting private investment, the Railway Minister said a new model is being worked out for development of stations with private participation. "It is in the final stage and we will take it to the Cabinet for its approval before launching the model for private players."

He said there is also a tremendous scope in earning more from the advertising in rail premises.

ence for longer hours."

Prabhu also said the railways has vast land which could be monetized for commercial purposes.

"Land will not be sold, it will be monetized," he clarified.

He said the Mittal committee, which was constituted to suggest ways for raising additional fund from non-traditional ways, would submit its report tomorrow.

The Minister also said special purpose vehicles will be formed with the state governments for execution of rail projects in their respective states.

When told that all his plans seemed to be long-term ones for revival of railway finances and whether there is any short-term one, Prabhu said the coming Rail Budget will have detailed action plan consisting of long and shortterm measures.-PTI

Indian trade policies delayed American exports to India: USITC Cont’d from page 12

It also includes case studies and examples illustrating ways that the policies affect particular companies or industries.

According to the report, the share of US companies substantially adversely affected by restrictive Indian policies rose from 18.8 per cent to 26.1 per cent between 2007 and 2013.

Shares for individual sectors in 2013 ranged from 7.7 per cent to 44.1 per cent. Over 60 per cent of the affected companies have made strategic changes in response to these barriers, most often directing fewer resources to the Indian market, it said.

Policies in two areas - tariffs and customs procedures, and taxes and financial regulations have the heaviest effects on US companies; USITC said adding that other issues, including investment and intellectual property policies, have large negative effects on specific industries.

If tariff and investment restrictions were fully eliminated and standards of IP protection were made comparable to US and Western European levels, Commission model results indicate that US exports to India would rise by two-thirds, and US investment in India would roughly double, the report said. -PTI

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Money laundering, terror finance in focus at Dubai conference DUBAI: Financial experts from around the world have suggested new ways to check money laundering and frauds through transaction screening, real time monitoring, pattern analysis and mandatory reporting of grey transactions.

The aim of the conference, organized here by the Foreign Ex-

meet AML laws and monitor every payment routed through their systems to counter fraud.

"FERG advocates the transfer of money globally through channels that are secure, transparent and governed by strict AntiMoney Laundering regulations as posited by the Central Bank of the UAE," FERG Chairman Osama Al

The conference stressed on the need for financial institutions to develop and implement a compliance program to meet AML laws and standards including reporting, record keeping and client identification change and Remittance Group (FERG), was to discuss new and sophisticated Anti Money Laundering (AML) measures, set out best practices to combat frauds and highlight new risks and fraudulent methods being discovered in the industry.

The group recommended that financial institutions should develop a compliance program to

Rahma said.

The discussion highlighted the possibility of 'smurfing', whereby large transactions are restructured into smaller ones that don't draw attention.

The possibility of money mules - people recruited to transfer stolen money across national borders - was also discussed.

According to the FERG mem-

ber - Al Rostamani International Exchange - proper controls such as transaction screening, real time monitoring and pattern analysis should be in place to detect any suspicious transactions and report the same to the regulatory authority.

As a mandatory requirement the entire log of daily transactions should be uploaded to the UAE Central Bank at the end of each day for their review, it added.

The conference stressed on the need for financial institutions to develop and implement a compliance program to meet AML laws and standards including reporting, record keeping and client identification obligations.

It also stressed on the necessity for all exchange houses to deploy AML compliance vested software to monitor every payment instructions routed through their system.

Attendees at the AML conference also discussed the importance of vigilance, staff training and regular auditing to discover irregularities.-PTI

SoftAge to help Saudi govt become paperless PANAJI: A subsidiary of India's leading document management systems company SoftAge will help the government of Saudi Arabia in becoming paperless in the next two years, a software technology expert has said.

"The concept of paperless administration is almost 80 per cent achieved in Saudi Arabia. I think it will take two more years to have cent per cent e-governance," Sanad Al Maqbali, partner, SoftAge Enjazat, a Saudi-subsidiary of SoftAge, told PTI here.

Maqbali's firm has partnered with the Saudi Arabia government in implementation of several e-governance projects.

"The e-governance is helping people in a big way. They can get their work done within 15 minutes," said Maqbali, who was in Goa to participate in a day-long 'Global Document Management Conclave' organized by SoftAge here.

Every citizen of Saudi Arabia

has been given an individual ID which has all information about him stored in it, he said.

"The ID has all the information, including health history of the person. You can even use the ID to withdraw money from the bank," Maqbali said.

The Saudi Arabia government is increasingly encouraging paperless concepts, he said adding that people are adapting to the technology instead of the traditional ways.

"Government payments can now be made using Apps from your smart phone," he said.

Several new technologies in data management systems were discussed at the conclave. -PTI

Desi News 'Holiday Toy Drive' attracts hearts and minds of community India Post News Service

FREMOINT: In keeping with the giving tradition and in spirit of holidays, FIA and Fremont Hindu Temple organized a "Toy- Drive" on Sunday, December 21at Fremont Hindu Temple to distribute toys to needy children including incarcerated youth and destitute kids. Alameda county juvenile justice system has many such children in its system. There is a strong felt need to give a little bit of cheer and joy to these kids during the holiday season.

There was tremendous response to FIA's appeal to community. Lots of boxes of toys were collected and delivered to Esa Ehmen-Krause, Deputy Chief of Alameda County Probation for distribution at transition centers.

Details on page 35

Hanumanji Moorti established at Glenview Mandir Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: With apparent blessings of Hanumanji that ensured a 50 degree Fahrenheit weather in the middle of December, the idol installation ceremony of Hanuman at Hanuman Mandir and Community Center in Glenview turned out to be a highly successful and joyful event. It was a year ago on December 14, 2013 that devotees of Hanumanji celebrated the Bhumi Shudhi, a religious ritual for purification of land before the start of construction of the ambitious project.

Details on page 18

Grand Christmas celebration by Christian community SURI SWAMY

CHICAGO: Beautiful strains of melodious Carols, euphonic musical presentations, colorful dances, message-centric skits and inspiring sermons marked the grand Christmas Banquet organized by United Christian Cultural Association [UCCA] at the Bristol Court Palace in Mount Prospect, ( a northwest Chicago suburb) on Saturday, December 13.

This luminous festive event was attended by a number of Christian families besides members of Hindu, Muslim and Sikh communities - thus implicitly making a grand inter-faith and interdenominational Christmas celebrations.

Details on page 20

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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Studying Gita on one's own engenders pride

December 26, 2014

Details on page 26

'Namam' honors 5 Indian Americans with excellence awards VINEETHA NAIR

PISCATAWAY, NJ: Namam, a cultural organization based in New Jersey, honored five highly accomplished individuals who have made valuable contributions to the Indian-American community with Excellence Awards at a glittering ceremony on December 13 at the Deewan Banquet Hall in Piscataway, New Jersey.

Dr Sreedhar Kavil, Anju Bhargava, Padmakumar Nair, Paul Karukappillil, Dr Rasiklal Patel were the recipients of Namam Excellence Award 2014.

"Namam has established a tradition of celebrating its annual day by presenting Excellence Awards at a magnificent banquet. Five extraordinarily accomplished individuals who have made significant contributions to the community were honored with Namam Excellence Awards at the banquet," said Madhavan B Nair, Founder and President of Namam.

Dr Sreedhar Kavil, President of Kavil Consultants, served as the Chairman of the Department of Marketing at St. John's University and continues there as a Marketing Professor. He is the Chairman of The United States Indian American Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC. He was the President of Kerala Center in New York and he is currently the Chairman of the Advisory Board of World Malayalee Council. Dr Kavil has won several

research awards and has to his credit over 70 research publications, including books. He has

traveled to over 40 countries on business and has represented the U.S. Department of Commerce on Trade. He is a Life Member of the Republican Senatorial Inner Circle. In 2006 he was awarded a Congressional Order of Merit by President George Bush.

A n j u Bhargava, a well -known figure in the IndianAmerican com-

munity served as a member on President Barack Obama's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. She is the founder of Hindu American Seva Charities (HASC).

She serves on the Department of Homeland Security's Faithbased Advisory Council and assists the President's Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge. She played a key role in cohosting historic conferences with the White House to help the community and the government connect more, to serve and strengthen America.

She is currently on the Board of Trustees of The Council for Parliament of the World's Religions and Odyssey Networks.

She blogs frequently for Huffington Post and Washington Post and is a sought after speaker at many forums. Anju Bhargava was named as one of the 10 inspiring women religious leaders by Huffington Post.

Padmakumar Nair (aka: Matt Kumar) is the CEO of Software Incubator Inc. He is a serial entrepreneur with decades of experience in delivering Real Estate Big Data, insights, advisory services and software engineering to market leading Real Estate digital sites, service providers and lenders.

Cont’d on page 19

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Community sorely misses Naren Patel RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: With the doyen of Indian community in Chicagoland, Naren Patel, finally laid to rest at Russo Funeral Home in Hillside last week, there was not a single soul in a gathering of 600 plus mourners who did not shed a tear or felt pinch of sorrow at the demise of this popular man.

Naren Patel

niors, said Naren Patel was a source of big help and support all the time. "He was one of our Directors and we looked to him all the time for help and guidance when needed.

Syed Monty of Shows2You, mentioned that Narenbhai was above caste, creed, religion or language considerations while dealing with people around him and more so while dealing with "our community members." He was among the front ranking leaders who had assured me that he would be there whenever I needed his help. That was very kind of him and I could never forget those assurances," he said.

Iftekhar Shareef, Chair of Trustee Board Federation of Indian Associations (FAA) mentioned that the community has lost a good friend in the death of Naren Bhai Patel.

"He always took a lead in supporting noble causes whether it was a national calamity in USA or in India. He always supported community events not just by attending but financially also. I have done many events with him including the last hosted by our Consul General of India Dr. Ausaaf Sayeed on August 23rd at Kala Utsav. Naren Bhai served as Chairman of Banquet for this year's FIA Banquet on August 10 and many such events where we both served as co-chairs

Naren Patel, 72 died on December 14 at 4-26 pm at his Schaumburg residence in the presence of family members and close relatives.

Balwinder Singh, a prominent Sikh community leader, said that he was truly a community leader and his loss will be irreparable. Gurbachan Kaur, founder president of Hindi Lovers Club, observed that she could still not believe that Naren Patel is no more. "He was so energetic and full of enthusiasm that his death has come as a real shock, we at Hindi Lovers Club mourn ‘Narenbhai was above caste, creed, relihis death and at our last meeting we gion or language considerations while prayed for his soul." dealing with people around him and more Rishikant Singh, Manager Air India, so while dealing with "our community memsaid that Narenbhai bers." He was among the front ranking was the quintessenleaders who had assured me that he would tial humanitarian community leader who be there whenever I needed his help.’ was helpful, supportive, kind and considerate. He will be remem- and as sponsors. My heartfelt condolences bered for his kind thoughts and deeds for- to the family. Our Governor Pat Quinn sent me a condolence text message within 30 minever.

Suresh Shah, secretary of Chicago Se- utes of demise"

Dr Indrajit Patel, president-elect, FIA, said Narenbhai was very polite, kind hearted, loving and caring friend of all. He was always ready for help to all associa-

need my help…I will be happy if I along with my sons can do anything for you and community…" I was so glad to hear this and replied, "So nice of you…But pray for

Naren Patel family and friends with Narendra Modi

tions. He helped many free medical camps.

"We all will miss him forever. But we will live with his values and legacy," he added Hina Trivedi, Past president FIA, recalled her small talk with Narenbhai after she was elected FIA president. Those words "Hina, you are right person, strong lady to hold this post…You can ask me any time if you

me that I can do right things for community to make you all proud…."

Usha Kamria, a community leader from Niles, said that his presence "brought positive feeling around our surroundings. We were fortunate to have his blessings at our daughter's wedding last in August."

Cont’d on page 20

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Hanumanji Moorti established at Glenview Mandir Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: With apparent blessings of Hanumanji that ensured a 50 degree Fahrenheit weather in the middle of December, the idol installation ceremony of Hanuman at Hanuman Mandir and Community Center in Glenview turned out to be a highly successful and joyful event.

It was a year ago on December 14, 2013 that devotees of Hanumanji celebrated the Bhumi Shudhi, a religious ritual for purification of land before the start of construction of the ambitious project on a 4.1-acre plot of land in Glenview encompassing a 37,200-square-foot, two-story building.

A large number of devotees have been praying for months for the actual installation of the big-

The 22.5 high Hanumanji Moorti that was isntalled in Chicagoland

gest Hanumanji Idol here and it did happen on December 14.

It Is not o n l y Hanuman Mandir but a broad e n d e d community project that will include a place of worship and a community center. The center has a multi-faceted public place to celebrate various cultural, spiritual and educational programs.

The Sthapna prayers started on Dec. 12 with taking out the

accompanied by singing of various Bhajans. The devotees were

Hanumanji Mandir and Center from outside

Hanuman Moorti from a strong shipment container. It was 22.5foot tall, over 45,000-lb., idol that was one-piece statue carved of Makrana marble shipped from Jaipur. The sculptor poured his art and mind in carving out this Moorti that seemed live with Hanumanji showering blessings with a great smile.

The event started with prayers

provided with bags of holy Parsad that included a special wooden bead. The event was peacefully enjoyed with the chanting of Mantras and chanting of Hanuman Chalisa. At the end, the holy Moorti was safely covered until the construction of Mandir dome would resume after winter.

Meanwhile, everyone is wel-

Pooja Archana in progress

by Pandit Yogesh Pandya and Pandit Nagendra Rao at Hanuman Spiritual and Cultural Center, at 3623 West Lake Street, Glenview, IL. On December 14 the crowd moved around a circular path that enabled the devotees to have Moorti Darshan without leaving their cars. The Auditorium at the nearby school was decorated by an energetic team of volunteers on the previous evening.

The chanting of prayers was

come to join the regular monthly prayers and Sunderkaand recitation from 5-7 p.m., on every fourth Saturday, at the residence of Dr Khurana at 2390 Dorina Dr., Northfield, IL. "The goal of the Hanuman Temple is to create a safe and peaceful place for prayer, meditation and reflection for attendees and members of the public at large for generations to come" said Dr Chandra Khurana, the main organizer.

Idols at the Mandir

December 26, 2014

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'Namam' honors 5 Indian Americans with excellence awards Cont’d from page 16

Headquartered in New York with major operations in USA and India, Software Incubator has grown over the last 14 years under his leadership.

His new ventures such as InDunia and InDuniaInt are expected to transform Real Estate, Healthcare, Auto and Chemical & Petroleum markets. As a strong believer in social entrepreneurship, his offices in Trivandrum, India provides full time employ-

cal organizations in Rockland County. He is the patron of several philanthropic organizations, including the FOKANA Global Foundation that has contributed generously to select causes in India, including the rehabilitation of Tsunami victims.

Paul Karukappillil is the Chairman and Publisher of Kerala Times Media.

He is one of the Directors of Jaihind Television USA and Orthodox TV. "It was a phenomenal event with the participation of more than

His new ventures such as InDunia and InDuniaInt are expected to transform Real Estate, Healthcare, Auto and Chemical & Petroleum markets. As a strong believer in social entrepreneurship, his offices in Trivandrum, India provides full time employment to over 300 people ment to over 300 people out of which more than 70 are females from below poverty line. He has been engaged with charitable organizations in US and India.

Dr Rasiklal A Patel MD, a very senior and accomplished physician and a prominent personality in the Indian community in New Jersey has been practicing Internal Medicine since 1977. He was the Chairman of the Department of Medicine in Irvington General Hospital in New Jersey. Right now he is affiliated with Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark and the East Orange General Hospital.

He is the founding member of the Indo-American Cultural Association in New Jersey and he has served as its Chairman for 20 years.

Indo-American Cultural Association is a non- profit organization engaged in community service, such as conducting free medical camps and organizing social and cultural activities and events in New Jersey. Dr. Patel is on the Board of Trustees of the Krishna Heart Institute in Ahmedabad, India and offers voluntary service to the Institute.

Paul Karukappillil, leading figure in the Kerala community in US for more than three decades is one of the founding members of the Federation of Kerala Associations in North America (FOKANA) and served as its President, Treasurer and Trustee Board Chairman for several years.

He is the treasurer of Indian Chamber of Commerce in New York. He is a member of the Congers Civic Association and serves on many social and politi-

400 people from the Indian community in the Tri-state area. It was an honor to have Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Deputy Consul General of India in New York as our Chief Guest. We are extremely grateful to the public officials, community leaders from across North America and members of various media outlets for

their participation in the event", said Vineetha Nair, Public Relations official and Convener of the annual day event of Namam.

Dr Geatesh Tampy, Vice President of Namam welcomed the gathering. In his keynote address, Dr Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Deputy Consul General of India in New York announced that the Consulate will be offering new and improved systems to avail its services. A helpline is opened to immediately address any issue faced by the Indian community.

He explained the new developments with PIO and OCI card merger and the visa on arrival program.

In his Presidential address, Madhavan B Nair said that the focus of Namam is on preserving family values, Indian culture and heritage and making children responsible citizens. "It is our responsibility to develop positive attitude and leadership qualities in children.

For that, critical thinking skill is a necessity but unfortunately it is not visible in the school or college curriculum. So, this needs to be addressed and practiced at the community level.

"We as a community must engage our children with thinking and intellect developing processes and activities. Namam rec-

ognizes this and is aiming to develop enough tools and resources to promote this cause.

We have conducted and will be conducting activities based on this", he added.

"Upendra Chivukula, Commissioner on the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, G. K Pillai, President of Nair Service Society of North America, T.N Nair, President of the Kerala Hindus of North America, Sasidharan Nair, Former President of Federation of Malayalee Associations of

by Anakh E Gabroo, Daksha arts, Malini Nair, Sowparnika Dance Academy and Suma Nair", said Arun Sharma, executive committee member of Namam. "Special activities and games were arranged for children. The Gala Banquet was an enjoyable event with DJ, fine dining and a lot of fun", said executive committee member Ajith Menon.

Namam, formed in the United States in 2010, under the inspiring leadership of Madhavan B. Nair, a successful entrepreneur

In his Presidential address, Madhavan B Nair said that the focus of Namam is on preserving family values, Indian culture and heritage and making children responsible citizens. "It is our responsibility to develop positive attitude and leadership qualities in children.�

Americas, Vinod Kearke, General Secretary of Federation of Kerala Associations in North America and Ganesh Nair, Secretary of Kerala Hindus of North America General addressed the gathering", said event coordinator Sanjeev Kumar.

"The evening featured mesmerizing entertainment programs

and one of the most senior community leaders in New Jersey, organized the Gala Banquet and Award Night as part of its 5th anniversary celebrations. Namam Souvenir 2014 was released during the function. Bindu Sanjeevkumar, Secretary of Namam proposed the vote of thanks.

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Grand Christmas celebration by Christian community SURI SWAMY

CHICAGO: Beautiful strains of melodious Carols, euphonic musical presentations, colorful dances, message-centric skits and inspiring sermons marked the grand Christmas Banquet organized by United Christian Cultural Association [UCCA] at the Bristol Court Palace in Mount Prospect, ( a northwest Chicago suburb) on Saturday, December 13.

This luminous festive event was attended by a number of Christian families besides members of Hindu, Muslim and Sikh communities - thus implicitly making a grand inter-faith and interdenominational Christmas celebrations.

The Chief Guest Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed in his remarks recalled his schooling days at a Catholic school and how he is familiar with the values and tenants of Christianity. He lauded the role of Christians in building modern India adding that a small minority of Christian population made notably significant contributions in the field of imparting quality education and providing health care services. Dr Sayeed gave away Community Leadership awards to Dr Nandan Thogaru, Dr Regi Paul & Sharath Kalvakota.

Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, a community activist and head of FIA, was also a principal organizer of this event. In his remarks, he thanked Consul General and praised him for bringing about remarkable reforms to the office of the Consulate General in Chicago.

He honored CG Sayeed with a colorful shawl and flower bouquet.

Raju Enoch Pasumarthi, UCCA President, explained how UCCA continues to blaze new trails in ushering inspiring programs that seeks to uplift the Telugu Christian community in ways that they have made a difference in the lives

Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, chief organizer of celebrations, welcoming guests and members at the Christmas celebrations

of the people. Emmanuel Neela, Vice President, outlined UCCA's vision statement and spelled out the future programs.

Vasanth Charles UCCA Director who served as the Emcee described how UCCA began its journey seven years ago and how it

continues to evolve into a vibrant organization of great purpose in the community. Shirley Kalvakota who was co-emcee explained the significance of Christmas and said Christmas is all about 'giving and sharing' the good gifts the God has blessed with.

Guest Speaker Rev. Peter Pereira explained the central story of Christmas which he said is the sacred birth of Jesus Christ to rid the sins of the world. He emphasized on the significance of Christmas which he said exemplifies hope, peace and joy.

Christmas carol being sung by Choir members

Katherine Thorat of Air-India appreciated the community for availing the services of Air-India in traveling to India.

Iftekhar Shareef also joined on stage to offer Christmas greetings.

Ramarao Kanakapudi proposed a vote of thanks.

Another highlight of the Christmas extravaganza was the Indian Talent contest that showcased singing competition with judges' panel led by Dr Nandan Thogaru, Dr Vijay Kiran and Samson Yenebere. Praveen Neetipudi presented an outstanding dance presentation in which he illustrated the joy of Christmas celebration; while young children Saritha Pasumarthi, Deena and Alina presented a very graceful lamp dance.

The Choir members dressed in colorful traditional Indian attires presented a string of carols full of gusto and melody. A special souvenir was released by a group of Pastors & Church leaders. The evening concluded with the serving of fine dinner.

Community sorely misses Naren Patel Cont’d from page 17

Suresh Bodiwala, president of Asian Media USA, said that Narenbhai was a gem of a man with unblemished career in public life.

"I have on numerous occasions worked with him closely and I was astounded by his simplicity and humility - reflective of great soul that he was. I keep on feeling that in his death I have lost a member of my family. I am overwhelmed with grief. May his soul rest in peace in heaven," he added.

Surnedra Ullal, community editor, India Post, recalling his experience dealing with Narenbhai

as media man, observed that he was an outstanding community personality, so humble and so amiable in sharp contrast to many self styled ego inflated leaders.

"Whenever I called him for news or getting his reactions to any development, he would see to it that he is accessible either in person or on phone.

He deserved more recognition than what he really received. The void created by his exit is difficult to fill," he added The final ceremony at the Funeral home started at 11 am with Puja, chanting of Mantra, and singing of Bhajans. This was immediately followed by visitation

and the last Darshan of Naren Patel. The three halls of the funeral home were jam packed and the parking lot overflowed with cars.

Many had to park outside on another parking lot or side streets.

All the members of the Narenbhai family - wife Sumitraben, sons Neil and Raj, daughters-in-law grand kids.

Brothers, relatives and friends were also there in large numbers and all prayed that his soul may rest in peace. Raj, Neil and Beena Patel in brief address assured that they would strive to carry on his task and mission without flinching on the high standard he set in his behavior.

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Screening of Radhe Radhe evokes good response ELIZABETH VAULINGAM

CHICAGO: Local filmmaker Prashant Bhargava having the Chicago premiere of his 35-minute multimedia collaboration with New York-based composer-pianist Vijay Iyer "Radhe Radhe: Rites of Holi" had reason to be happy and both were pleasantly surprised when more than 160 viewers turned up for this event at the 128-person capacity hall at Logan Center, the University of Chicago recently.

The edited collage of video clips depicting the riotous festival as celebrated in Mathura is intended to be (re-) "performed" in live "dialogue" with external orchestra but, given the costs involved, the Chicago audience had to remain contented with the accompanying score prerecorded on DVD. Iyer's musical score attempts to recreate the rhythms flowing through the participants with two pianos, percussion, winds and strings combining elements of jazz, Western classical and Indian music. The buildup to the festival contrasts the meditative tranquility of the opening rustic scenes, through various preparatory activities, to the intense orgy of color and ritualized violence, itself punctuated by lyrical scenes focused on the solitary Radha, played by Anna George, longing in silence for union with her ever invisible Krishna.

Bhargava and Iyer were commissioned to produce an original piece inspired by "The Rite of Spring" to commemorate the 100th anniversary of this watershed ballet and orchestral concert work staged in Paris in 1913 by epoch-making composer Igor Stravinsky. Whereas the original conjured up a frenzied Russian pagan festival, "Radhe Radhe" comprises edited footage of actual Holi as celebrated still today in its pristine form in Braj, epicenter of the Krishna cult.

Whereas that jarring alien sensibility provoked the urbane French audience to riot, the Indian "festival of colors" is familiar by now to large swathes of the American population, increasing numbers of whom join with gay abandon in the annual celebration by the Indian Diaspora. This, perhaps inevitable, hybrid production by two USborn Indians consecrates and facilitates the cultural convergence.

"Radhe Radhe" however foregrounds for our globalized consciousness an acute "contradiction" that has remained largely hidden at the heart of this spring festival even for the Hindus, who have been re-enacting it in India for millennia, eventually with the official sanction of Lord Krishna.

This was revealed in the very ambivalence with which Bhargava recounts his personal trajectory in attempting to fulfill his commission.

On the one hand, the filmmaker is intent on honoring Radha, the gateway to Krishna, to depict the festival of love authentically from the perspective of the devotees themselves. Which is also a way of honoring his grandmother, who worshipped RadhaKrishna steadfastly in their dedicated shrine at his parents' home in Ujjain. This is why, instead of heeding Iyer's original suggestion to film the fun-filled Diaspora Holi in New York, he headed straight to its living source in Mathura.

Cont’d on page 23

"Radhe Radhe: Rites of Holi" was screened to a more than full hall of expectant viewers

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Bharatiya senior citizens celebrate Christmas JAYANTI OZA

CHICAGO: More than 250 members and guests of Bharatiya Seniors of Chicago celebrated Christmas on December 20 on a grand scale at Rana-Regan Center in Carol Stream, a northwest suburb of Chicago.

The event was also highlighted with a talk on 'Accept Ayurveda and bring new changes in life'. The start was with Ganesh Vandana sung by BSC Secretary Rakshika Anjaria. This was followed by BSC President Haribhai welcoming guests, singers from Nalini Parikh Group and Herbayur's Dr Rajesh Varma.

All those present also mourned the death of Naren Patel, a great community leader and a prominent businessman. He was CEO and President of Medstar Lab. and President of Vishwa Gujarati Samaj-US. BSC President Haribhai Patel observed that Narenbhai always helped seniors. He was one of the guests of honors at a program held by BSC on November 9.

Another BSC Senior member

BSC Senior Citizens birthday group

who passed away was Rameshbhai Padai. All seniors kept two minute silence in their memory and prayed for their soul resting in peace.

Ayurvedic Doctor Rajesh Varma then talked about ailments and offered his views on what to do and how to stay healthy from diseases like diabetes, asthma,

Nalini Parekh Musical Group

kidney disorder, high blood pressure, gas, acidity, constipation, cold, cough etc. by using Ayurveda medications. He pitched for positive thoughts and recommended laughing at least 15 minute a day. "That will help

BSC Seniors enjoying the program

you keep healthy and away from depression," he said.

At end of the program Sashank Bhatt gave flowers and good wishes to all whose birthday and wedding anniversary fell in the month of December.

Satyanarayan Katha a great success GEETHA PATIL

CHICAGO: The Grayslake Hindu Mandir organized an impressive Samohik Satyanarayana Katha on Saturday December 20 to thank Lord Satyanarayana for all good things given in the year 2014

and seek his blessings for the year 2015 for peace and prosperity.

More than 150 devotees from different Indian communities gathered for the Katha with all the devotion and religious fervor. Mrs

Satyanarayan Katha conducted by Pt Anil Joshi with hundreds of devotees listening

Arati at the Katha

Savita Joshi, Kamlesh Desai and Avinash Kotagi created a spiritual atmosphere by their devotional

Bhajans.

All the devotees did their Sankalpam for Shree

Satyanarayana Swami Ji Puja as narrated by Pandit Anil Joshi.

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Screening of Radhe Radhe Punjabi Cultural Society forms working board evokes good response India Post News Service

Cont’d from page 21

For most Hindus, especially those belonging to regions such as South India where the festival is not celebrated with such collective fervor, if at all, the aesthetics of Holi has become intimately familiar through artistic representations of the prankster Krishna

fire) that sparks off the revelrythough it became clear afterward that the more explicit gestures of obscenity had been prudently edited out.

Platoons of women armed with staves march into town and suddenly on cue start hammering mercilessly at their menfolk cowering behind flimsy wooden shields.

Krishna? Especially when this "rite of spring" is launched, programmatically, from the temple sacred to 'queen' Radha (-Rani)? Instead of attempting to 'resolve' this enigma, Bhargava resorts to the strategy of juxtaposition.

As the orgy builds up, the entirely detached but very sensuously depicted Anna George is

Depicted in "Rites of Holi" were scenes such as this of women devotees of Radha taking" revenge" on their menfolk during the Braj festival

spraying colors at the cowherdesses. Its dense cultural complex of dance, music, painting and moods that has long since captured the Indian imagination now seduces secular sensibilities across the globe. The lustful core of aphrodisiacal spring has been spiritualized into the transcenden-

Though the vast majority of streetrevelers are men, many women of all ages are also seen laughing and dancing with gay abandon in their midst.

The local pandits explained that with the onset of spring came this need for the relatively harmless release of pent up sexual tension.

The local pandits explained that with the onset of spring came this need for the relatively harmless release of pent up sexual tension.

Indeed, this volcanic eruption, from within, is prefigured in the beginning 'invocatory' scene tal bond between the divine couple, and Radha has been elevated into a metaphor for the embodied soul seeking union with its invisible source.

Through the thick clouds of colors thrown at us, we see the dissolving of social inhibitions-as if they had all been consumed in the giant conflagration (Holika

Indeed, this volcanic eruption, from within, is prefigured in the beginning 'invocatory' scene of the tranquil harvest fields, where we are already shown the mating ritual of two storks, the courting male dancing aggressively to show off his winged colors.

But what has all this to do with the traditional worship of Lord

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now seen looking out of her window, breaking finally into an expectant smile. At its climax, she is being ravished from behind by the insistently groping blue hands of an unseen presence.

Have the excesses of Holi been sublimated into a profound spiritual experience of Krishna, or has sweet ethereal Radha been forcibly brought back down to this earthy eruption of unbridled lust?

Even to raise, let alone explore, such perplexing questions, the "Rites of Holi" need to be contextualized, especially when thrust before wholly unprepared viewers as was the case here, where the comments revealed how completely the audience had been disoriented by what they had just seen.

The rioting Parisian audience at the 1913 premier of "Rite of Spring" had long lost touch with their own extinct heritage of the medieval carnival, which is provoking worldwide debate over the last decades. The still extant "Rites of Holi" could instead help make sense of, even resurrect, what is actually a universal legacy.

The screening was co-sponsored by Eye on India Festival, Indo-American Heritage Museum and Hyde Park Jazz Festival.

PALATINE: In a meeting held on December 14, Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) Officials formed their working board for the year 2015.

Vick Singh, a resident of Long Grove, Illinois, was unanimously elected as the 2015 President.

Vick Singh has been serving on the PCS board of directors for several years, his current position being the Finance Director.

An electrical engineer by formal education, Vick took to real estate as a profession and business after his family immigrated to Chicago area from Haryana, India. Vick Singh has over 25 years of experience in real estate sales, management, appraisal, finance and investments.

Vick is happily married with two children Ruby Kaur and Ryan Singh.

Amrit Pal Singh Sangha was nominated as the Honorary Chairman of PCS for 2015. Other directors on the 2015 PCS board as elected are, Gurmit Singh Dhillon Vice President, Bikram Singh Chohan Executive Secretary,

Surinder Singh Palia Finance Secretary, Manjeet Singh Bhalla Sports Director, Parvinder Singh Nanua Youth Director, Rao Barinder Singh (Robin) Ghotra Inter-Community Director, Gagandeep Singh Multani Inter-

Vick Singh

Community Director.

"PCS is slowly passing the baton to the next generation by grooming, mentoring and including the youth in the working board," said Rajinder Singh Mago, PCS Board of Governors.

PCS is a non-profit all volunteer community service organization devoted to promoting Punjabi culture, performing arts, education, sports, and good citizenship in the Chicago Metropolitan area and beyond.

Satyanarayan Katha a great success Cont’d from page 22

Pt. Joshi involved all the devotees in the pujan of Lord Ganesh, Lord Vishnu and Laxmi, Shree Satyanarayana, and Navagrah and asked them to chant all the Mantras along with him.

Ganapati and Shree Satyanarayana Ashtotram were chanted by Laxmi Narayana and Vishwanathan. After Puja, Pt. Joshi narrated the Katha in a very devotional way and explained the inner message given by Lord Vishnu to Narad Ji on how to perform Shree Satyanarayana Puja. He said that this puja should be per-

formed by a creditable Brahman with devotion and pure heart by inviting all the relatives and friends.

Pt. Joshi narrated from the Shlokas of Ramayana on what is Bhakti and how we can attain it.

Finally he blessed all the devotees that their New Year be filled with all the happiness, health, wealth and peace.

President Harsh Kumar thanked profusely all the devotees for their active participation and generous support to the temple.

After Aarti, mouthwatering Maha Prasad was served to the devotees.

24 India Post

Community Across America

December 26, 2014

www.indiapost.com

Grand celebration of Hindi Diwas planned in 2015 RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Hindi Lovers Club of Illinois plans celebrating Hindi Diwas in coming July on a grand scale tying up with World Hindi Organization in New Jersey and a few other Hindi associations in the country, according to Gurbcahan Kaur, the founder CEO and past president of the Club.

The Club had organized a grand celebration of Hindi Diwas in 2014 inviting Indian CG Dr Ausuf Sayeed along with elites of Chicago Indian community with active participation from second generation Indians.

Besides popularizing Hindi in this part of the world, the Club has also planned hosting a fundraiser to raise funds for its various activities. The event will be held on May 2, 2015, accordBoard Members of Hindi Lovers Club

ing to Vinita Gulbani, the current president. The highlight of this program will be an All-American Hindi Kavi Sammelan. The Club has encouraged poets across the

Gulabani, Nand Kapoor, Members of the Advisory Board Sudaksha Kapoor, Kamal Gupta and Acharya Rohit Joshi. Shanu Sinha and Ranjana Bhargav joined via phone.

The meeting started with one minute of silent prayer for Naren Patel, CEO of Medstar, whose sudden demise on December 15 shook the Indian community.

He was a very prominent member of Indian community and a very big supporter of Hindi Lovers Club. Acharya Rohit Joshi recited slokas for the peace of his soul and everyone prayed to give the family members strength to bear his loss and carry out his task further.

The opportunity was also taken to pray for the innocent victims of the senseless massacre of students Acharya Joshi praying for Peace out of misguided vendetta and religious zeal. country to send their poetry and The board then discussed the bio data in time to make the event agenda for upcoming year 2015. a memorable one, Gulbani added.

The meeting concluded with Not resting content with these everyone's acceptance to follow two exciting programs, the Club 2015 agenda. The Club sent its would participate with the Niles greetings and best wishes for the Township Community and Chi- Season and the upcoming New cago Senior Pariwar for their Kite Year. flying festival and Annual picnic. This will enable the Club to The opportunity was also broaden its base inter- taken to pray for the innoacting with seniors and cent victims of the senseless members of other organizations, observed massacre of students out of Gurbachan Kaur. misguided vendetta and The Board of Hindi religious zeal. The board Lovers Club of Illinois met at Taco Express then discussed the agenda 1127 Fairview Ave. in for upcoming year 2015.

Westmont, southwest suburb of Chicago, on December 17, an annual affair, and The Club has invited Hindi poblessed the hosting of these pro- ets from all over America to send grams for 2015. their bio-data of their poetry work The attendees at the meeting if they want to participate in the were founder president Kavi Sammelan. The email is Gurbachan Kaur Shewakramani, hindiloversclub@gmail.com or call the current Club President Vinita Gurbachan at 847 962 8595.

Community Across America

December 26, 2014

India Post 25

www.indiapost.com

'Holiday Toy Drive' attracts hearts and minds of community India Post News Service

FREMOINT: In keeping with the giving tradition and in spirit of holidays, FIA and Fremont Hindu Temple organized a "Toy- Drive" on Sunday, December 21at Fremont Hindu Temple to distribute toys to needy children including incarcerated youth and destitute kids. Alameda county juvenile justice system has many such children in its system. There is a strong felt need to give a little bit of cheer and joy to these kids during the holiday season.

There was tremendous response to FIA's appeal to community. Lots of boxes of toys were collected and delivered to

Esa Ehmen-Krause, Kamal Nair, Ritu Maheshwari, Kamal Sahney, Council member Vinnie Bacon, Guest, Dr. Romesh Japra, Rajesh Verma and Manorama Joshi

Dr. Romesh Japra addressing the crowd.

Pics Courtesy Viksphotography.com

Indo-US Lions Club brightens Holiday season

Ritu Maheshwari, Esa Ehmen-Krause receiving toys for the distribution Guest and Dr. Romesh Japra

Esa Ehmen-Krause, Deputy Chief of Alameda County Probation for distribution at transition centers.

Council member Vinnie Bacon and Lily Mei, Commissioner Kamal Nair, FIA team members

and Convener FIA, said, "It is one of the finest moments where community comes together to support those who are disadvantaged. As we enjoy and celebrate the holidays, there are many who

There was tremendous response to FIA's appeal to community. Lots of boxes of toys were collected and delivered to Esa EhmenKrause, Deputy Chief of Alameda County Probation for distribution at transition centers.

I

ndo-US Lions Club headed

by Hina Trivedi sought to cheer up the Festival season for kids and elderly in north side of Chicago in its own small way.

"We could only help about 50 kids and 73 elderly but we really

wanted do a lot more as many in the community need to be helped and enjoy better things in life, especially during Holiday season.

Our aim now is to help more and target all 100% who come seeking help," she said

"Hope in the year 2015, we do more for all and help in different ways too. If you have anything that we can help them with, please feel free to contact president or our Executive Board members," she added. Contact Hina 630 951 0012.

Rajesh Verma, Deepak Chhabra, Manorama Joshi, Ritu Maheshwari, Chandru Bhambhra, Kamal Sahaney, and others were present at the event.

Dr Romesh Japra, President

are not fortunate enough.

Strength of community is shown in supporting its most needy members."

FIA has plans to do many more such events next year.

Community Across America

26 India Post

December 26, 2014

www.indiapost.com

Studying Gita on one's own engenders pride SWAMI NIKHILANAND

S

o far in this series we have learned that the qualification for studying the Gita is to have faith in Shree Krishna, and to be surrendered to a God realized Saint, or Guru. Only by the Grace of the Guru, or Spiritual Master and through his explanations can we understand the true meaning of the Gita.

Q: What is the danger associated with learning the Gita on one's own?

The greatest danger involved with trying to learn the knowledge of the Gita on one's own is developing pride. Learning from the Guru saves us from this dangerous pitfall: the pride of knowingness. If someone studies the Gita on his own, he is bound to develop pride in his knowledge.

It is human nature to want to be appreciated; therefore it is a common human fault to want to flaunt our knowledge to others to gain their respect and admiration. However, the development of such vanity is the opposite to the spiritual teachings of the Gita.

Our pride of "knowing" actually takes us farther from God, instead of closer. The more humble we are, the closer we come to God. The more proud we are, the farther we are from God. When we are humble, we feel that we belong to God and we depend on him totally. This is surrender, and this type of surrender is the essence of the Gita.

When we have pride in anything, then due to that pride, we feel that we are great, which means that we are not depending on God. In other words, the more pride we feel, the less surrendered we are. That means that someone

Swami Nikhilanand

who studies the Gita on his own and develops a pride of his learning is now farther from God than before he had studied the Gita.

Ironically, even though he studied the Gita, which teaches surrender, he ended up being less sur-

rendered by the end of his study.

How does one develop humbleness?

To the extent someone has imbibed the knowledge of Gita, they will become equally humble. More knowledge means more humbleness. More pride means the presence of ignorance. In other words,

a learned scholar who studies the Gita on his own and ends up with more pride, has increased his ignorance, not his knowledge.

The only way to avoid this is to learn the Gita or any Hindu scripture from a God realized Saint, or Guru. The Guru, while imparting the knowledge, will also ensure the humbleness of his students and will not give knowledge to an unqualified person.

It is also important to keep in mind that we don't get anything simply by hearing, reciting or memorizing the Gita. The teachings of the Gita have to be understood and practiced every day in one's life. Only then will the knowledge of the Gita take root in our heart and only then will we realize the benefit of Krishna's teachings. In other words, the theory must be put into practice. For this too we need the guidance of the Guru. It is only by practicing the teachings of the Gita under the guidance of a Guru that we develop true humbleness and surrender to Krishna.

How can we be qualified to truly know the teachings of the Gita?

If we were truly qualified to hear

Krishna's teachings, then we would immediately get God realized by listening to them, in the same way that Arjun did. So if we do not get God realized when we study the Gita, it means we have not understood it yet.

Anyone can study the Gita, whether they are a Sanskrit scholar or an illiterate person.

However, the true Gita gyani is the one who, having learned the philosophy of the Gita, becomes humble, surrenders to Shree Krishna and becomes God realized.

Having understood the qualification for studying the Gita, we are now ready to start learning the main topics of the first chapter of the Gita, starting with the very first verse. But, please keep in mind that whatever I am sharing with you in this series is not my own interpretation of the Gita. I have not learned the Gita on my own. I am simply doing my best to explain in English what Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj has already taught the world through his speeches and books in Hindi, including Prem Ras Siddhant: The True Philosophy of Divine Love.

Disciple of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj Swami Nikhilanand Ji is a Canadian born Hindu spiritual leader based in Austin, Texas. He is a sanyasi disciple and pracharak of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj.

Attracted to the teachings of Hinduism from a young age, Swamiji eventually let his deep spiritual longing lead him to India, where he was most fortunate to come under the guidance of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj.

Thereafter, living in the ashrams of JKP, he extensively studied Hindi, the philosophy of the prime Sanskrit scriptures (Vedas, Darshan Shastras, Gita, Bhagwatam), and practiced meditation in the tradition of raganuga bhakti. In 2003, he was given sanyas.

Now, with the blessings of his Guruji, he offers satsang programs throughout America, engaging audiences with his clear explanations of Hindu philosophy coupled with inspired chanting of Sanskrit mantras and shlokas and

charming nam sankirtan. His informative and compelling speeches provide practical insight into how to adopt the teachings of Sanatan Dharm into our daily lives, and inspire us to awaken our inner spiritual potential.

To stay in touch with Swami Nikhilanand Ji, like his Facebook page at https:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / SwamiNikhilanand or follow him on twitter at https://twitter.com/ Swami_Nikhil.

New Prudential Golden Gate agency opens in SF SAN FRANCISCO, CA: Prudential Financial, Inc. announced on Nov 18th, the grand opening of The Prudential Insurance Company of America's Golden Gate Agency located at 180 Montgomery Street, Suite 1900 in San Francisco, headed by Rebecca Ye, Managing Director. CA Insurance license #0E43609.

"This new location allows Prudential's licensed Financial professionals to better serve a diverse individual and business clientele in San Francisco Bay Area to help them reach their insurance and financial security goals," said Ye. She added that the new agency is staffed by 28 Prudential professionals who are qualified to provide comprehensive financial planning incorporating a wide range

African American Chamber of Commerce; Raul Hernandez, CFO, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco; J.P. Leddy, Senior Director, Golden Gate Business Association (LGBT Business Association).

They were followed by Tim Lau, CEO from Sing Tao Daily (the most popular Chinese newspaper in the United States), Sal Vaca (Director, City of Richmond), Alex Chiu (President, China Town Rotary), Michael Sher (Director, ESPN Deportes), Erwin Reeves (Director, Community Foundation) and a reporter from the San Francisco Business Times were in attendance and spoke highly of the event. They spoke highly of the staff diversity, and of the guests in attendance. There were members that represented radio, Asian print, as well as Hispanic, African American, and LGBT periodical.

of insurance and financial products and services to serve individual and business needs.

It was an extremely successful Grand Opening event!

There were over 100 guests for the Ribbon cutting, and had numerous VIP's from the business community to help celebrate. The event was graced by Directors from various Chambers of Commerce in attendance, four of which spoke during the ribbon cutting ceremony that gave Prudential Golden Gate Agency high praise.

The individuals that spoke were: Bob Linscheid, CEO, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce; Spenser Gillete, CEO, Oakland

You may reach the agency at 415-486-3050 or by fax 415-4863035.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds, and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century.

India Post News Service

December 26, 2014

www.indiapost.com

India Post 27

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Dance Basanti : Ungli 2 Manali Trance : The Shaukeens 3 Jee Karda: Badlapur 4 Manwa Laage : Happy New www.indiapost.com

28 India Post

December 26, 2014

Year 5 Tharki Chokro : PK

Kareena and Shahid won't be paired opposite one another but they would be sharing screen space. Alia Bhatt will be paired opposite her 'Shandaar' actor.

6 Jaise Mera Tu : Happy Ending 7 Mileya Mileya : Happy Ending 8 Superman : Tevar 9 G Phaad Ke : Happy Ending 10 Chaar Kadam: PK

E

x-lovers Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor have been re-united for 'Udta Punjab'. After Emraan Hashmi walked out of the role, Shahid has been signed to play the male lead.

Ayushmann Khurrana has been signed for the second male lead and Alia Bhatt has been approached for the second female lead.

Kareena and Shahid won't be paired opposite one another but they would be sharing screen space. Alia Bhatt will be paired opposite her 'Shandaar' actor. Kareena will be donning a different role. The film will be directed by 'Dedh Ishqiya' director Abhishek Chaubey'. It was his unique idea to bring the ex-lovers on-screen.

A leading publication quoted a source as saying, "It is true that Kareena is being considered for a role in the film.

However, she is not meant to be sharing screen space with Sasha. The 'Shandaar' pair - Alia Bhatt and Shahid - is likely to be cast opposite one another in this project.

Abhishek apparently even met her for the same."

Shahid and Kareena were last seen together in the 2007 film 'Jab We Met'.

P

riyanka Chopra, who has turned producer akistani actress Mahira Khan is soon going to make this year, says in the New Year she will her Bollywood debut with none other than Shah enter into more interesting ventures.

Rukh Khan in 'Raees'. She is a household name "Next year I am entering into some new interesting venin Pakistan, thanks to her superhit dailysoap 'Humsafar.' tures... when it comes to my music, when it comes to my comMahira Khan gained fame in India after her Papany and a few things that I am doing. So, I kistani series 'Humsafar' with Fawad Khan bethink for me 2015 will be a year of change, came a hit on Zindagi, an Indian channel feaa year of evolution and I am excited about turing only Pakistani content. Though the new things that I am taking on," Mahira Khan has done a film (Bol, 2011) Priyanka said. and a couple of series in Pakistan, Raees On the acting front, after the big sucwill mark the dream debut of the actress cess of Mary Kom, Priyanka is working on in Bollywood alongside superstar Shah a few films like Dil Dhadakne Do, Bajirao Rukh Khan. Shah Rukh plays a mafia Mastani and Madamji. All of them are schedleader while Nawazuddin Siddiqui u l e d for a 2015 release. will portray the role of a hard headed Priyanka is working cop in this thriller drama.

Mahira, who had recently visited on a few films like India for the promotions of her series Dil Dhadakne Do, 'Humsafar', met Shah Rukh Khan durBajirao Mastani ing the audition. and Madamji Born and brought up in Karachi, Mahira Khan completed her education from Los Angeles and later began her career as a VJ for Pakistani television.

P

December 26, 2014

Bollywood

India Post 29

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thi A R ick. It is an ere Arulni g n r i r o i t a h l c p f e mha is l i d a y d i r tric action una Guru w ho gets e n i S i w o n h o t onaks t h h e r H woman-ce amil film M ge studen e i l T a l his w 's r o a c o f h p u ss al for e red ant s o e S r d p r e a a v m g e e in th ole r Muru ion of Kum st, a hot-t ime. oman for a r i r at adapt e protagon ceit and a c as gone in ry young w ntric film. ang ss h mal f lies, de e-ce already ys an d the eroin ugado p l a y e i n a w e b o s i o n , M u r nakshi pla h e r f i r s t h o n a k s h i i s s A n o o r d s S b r o i l e e H i n d i v e d actress. S g t h a t t h i s i o n f i r m e d , e r t s f r o m L adds h , c t o p n i o x g ry " In ollyw o u r c e , a d d s t i l l b e i n s c e n e s . " E id-Janua B e t i s e m r r s a r t y a c t i o n g begins favo n f o r m s a , she i r acto u in which f i l m , " i l e t h e o t h e e h e a v y - d d her train n o i t c W h p f o r s o m down an real a u some wn g o n o l i f d r a g o t in ge unity are be pport rd to.

Murugadoss o geles r c e . n a u get rwa the so akshi will looking fo has gone in for a Son is really e h role reversal for s says,

S

S

oha Ali Khan has been signed to play the female lead in the sequel to 1990 action drama, 'Ghayal'. She will star opposite Sunny Deol. "To put an end to the confusion, I am playing the female lead in 'Ghayal 2' but it's not a romantic film - it is, as expected, an action thriller," Soha posted on twitter.

The sequel to 'Ghayal' was in the pipeline for quite sometime and now things are in track and the film will go on board early next year.

Soha whose last film, 'Mr Joe B. Carvalho' flopped in the box-office will reprise Meenakshi Seshadri's role in the original.

According to a source, the sequel will start where original ends.

Soha's character will be fresh and very original. She will be also seen doing some stunts.

W

ho would have believed that the soft spoken Tiger Shroff, whose Heropanti was liked and trolled in equal measures, would end up becoming the star this year.

The award season has just begun and a lot of award organizers have been approaching Tiger to perform for them. The young actor hasn't committed to any yet because he wants his first stage performance to be very special.

The actor's Michael Jackson tribute was a hit and seems to be the trigger for all these brilliant offers. But amongst the many things he is looking forward to next few years are his upcoming projects Heer Ranjha and the superhero flick with Remo D'Souza. A special first performance at an award function too is on his bucket list.

his favorite Bollywood actress.

Sonakshi plays an angry young woman in the film

Realty Tidbits

SAT seeks bankers' communications in DLF case MUMBAI: Hearing DLF's appeal against a Sebi order, the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) has sought details of communications exchanged with investment bankers and auditors with regard to the IPO documents filed by the real estate major.

Sebi was asked to submit details with regard to both the IPO prospectus filed by DLF before its public offer in 2007.

Earlier in October, Sebi had barred DLF and its top executives from accessing the capital markets or dealing in securities for three years for alleged disclosure-related lapses in the final IPO papers filed by the company.

The order was challenged before SAT in the same month.

During the hearing, Sebi also informed SAT that it had received multiple complaints against the company, although it had started its investigations on the direction of the Delhi High Court, which was hearing a case filed by one Kimshuk Sinha.

Sinha had alleged that one of DLF subsidiaries - Sudipti Estates and certain other persons duped him of Rs 34 crore in a land deal.-PTI

Phoenix residents fear plans for Wright house PHOENIX: The owner of a Phoenix home designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright will face resistance if he tries to turn the property into a major tourist attraction, residents said.

Zach Rawling, a Las Vegas attorney who purchased the house last year, wants to incorporate an underground museum and other expansions, according to his attorney.

Paul Gilbert said Rawling wants to put in a 25,000-square-foot facility that will include a stage and gallery space, the Arizona Republic reported. Rawling has purchased three neighboring properties to tear down for more open space. But Rawling asked the city in March to delay consideration of an historic preservation designation on the structure.

According to Gilbert, more time is needed to pursue new zoning rules for parking and public visitation. And that has residents worried. ``Once they have a (planned unit development), that opens the door for development,'' said Luis Argueso, who lives around the corner from the house. ``We have zoning laws for a reason. It's zoned as a neighborhood.'' -AP

Real Estate 30 India Post

www.indiapost.com

December 26, 2014

For the homeless, hotels don't feel like home MAPLE SHADE, N.J.: The name of the Nomad Motel on Route 38 in Maple Shade reflects the lives of some of its residents: wanderers, with no solid place to call home.

Peter Lopez, 21, is living at the Nomad. He became homeless after graduating from Pemberton Township High School in 2013 because of family issues. At first, he tried to juggle having a job and going to college while homeless, but he soon dropped out. Since February, he has lived a life in hotel rooms, paid for by the Burlington County Board of Social Services.-AP

7 dreadful creatures that devour houses MARCIE GEFFNER

M

ost homeowners are fa miliar with termites, which are known for their ability to eat through wood, whether it be window frames, doors, stairs or other components of a house.

But other creatures can devour wood, too. Some even gobble stucco.

It might seem tempting to ignore the presence or evidence of these house-eating beasts. But certain types of termites, snails, beetles, ants and even bees can be destructive. The longer you wait, the more damage they'll cause and the more costly it will be to repair.

"The motto in entomology is: If you build it, they will come," says Roger Gold, a professor and chair of the Center for Urban and Structural Entomology at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.

Here are seven creatures that are the stuff of your house's nightmares. Wait till you get to the

snails.

Subterranean termites Subterranean termites are so pervasive and aggressive that they cause billions of dollars of damage each year.

Unlike their drywood cousins, subterranean termites nest in the ground and forage through the soil in search of damp wood, Gold explains.

"They explore their environment and once they find sources of that cellulose -- the wood -- they begin to consume it as food," Gold says.

Poisons and barriers The average cost to control a household population of termites is in the neighborhood of $1,000,

Gold estimates. The process can involve ground treatment with liquid termiticide or termite bait.

Many builders today use wood that's been treated with pesticides to discourage termites. Mesh or

says via email.

They even eat insulation The Formosan termite can infest more than 50 types of plants and has been known to chew

mer months, and gain entrance to a structure through vents or holes," Gold says.

Tent them!

Once they're in, they begin to eat that wood, gradually causing considerable damage.

Drywood termites Control of drywood termites usually involves removal of the infested wood, tent fumigation or both. Tent fumigation involves placing heavy plastic sheeting over the entire home and pumping in pesticides.

plastic barriers can also help to protect a home from this destructive species.

Formosan termites The worst of the worst when it comes to termites is the Formosan subterranean termite, a specific

type of subterranean that's classified as an invasive species in the United States.

Species are considered invasive if they aren't native to the area where they're found and they cause harm, explains Chris Dionigi, deputy director of the National Invasive Species Council at the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The fact that a destructive species isn't native gives it a distinct advantage because it likely has no native predators.

"New Orleans is believed to have the densest populations of C. formosamus in North America.

However, it has been found also in San Diego, (as well as in) Texas, Louisiana, Hawaii, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee," Dionigi

through the insulation on buried electrical and telephone cables, as well as wood, according to the council.

"If you're looking for something that actually eats your house, you'd be hard-pressed to find (a species) worse than the

Formosan subterranean termite," Dionigi says.

Drywood termites usually live above ground and in the wood itself, unlike subterranean termites, which initially set up shop in soil.

The drywood variety "spread out swarming, usually in the sum-

Giant African snails The idea that a snail could eat part of your house might seem ludicrous.

But in fact, the giant African snail, an invasive species, has been known to eat up to 500 types of plants and can damage plaster and stucco, according to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

This type of snail is so destructive that it's illegal to possess or transport this species without an APHIS permit, according to the agency's website.

It all started in Florida The giant African snail first appeared in South Florida in the 1960s. It took 10 years and $1 million to eradicate. In 2011, the snail returned to Florida and is still a menace there, according to APHIS. APHIS has also seized giant African snails on New York's Long Island and in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Los Angeles and Albany, New York.

Cont’d on page 31

Cont’d on page 31

Real Estate Post

December 26, 2014

India Post 31

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Panel urges early real estate bill passage NEW DELHI: To provide relief to consumers in an "unregulated" real estate sector, a parliamentary panel has asked the Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) Ministry to urgently bring the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2013 to Parliament for its passage.

In a report presented in Lok Sabha, the Standing Committee on Urban Development headed by BJD MP Pinaki Misra said the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill was introduced in Parliament on August 14 last year after wide consultations with all stakeholders.

The Bill was then referred to the Standing Committee on Urban

Development for examination and after having wide consultations an objective report was given to Parliament in February, 2014.

The Committee in its report said that they were informed by the HUPA Ministry that it had consultations with the stakeholders, expert bodies, ministries, states, etc. on September 19 this year.

It is now proposed to finalize the draft Cabinet Note for interministerial comments on the proposed official amendments before moving the Union Cabinet for approving the amendments in the Bill, the panel added.

It said that in view of the above perspective, the Committee

strongly feel that the Ministry should avoid duplication of work

The panel also said that it is dismayed to note that no survey has been undertaken by the Ministry to assess the impact of FDI inflows into housing sector resulting in delaying the reintroduction of Bill in the Parliament because real estate sector is

7 dreadful creatures that devour houses Cont’d from page 30

In a statement, Wendy Beltz, director of the smuggling interdiction and trade compliance program at APHIS, said collectors and hobbyists shouldn't buy these snails.

"When released into the backyards and in communities, they cause extensive and expensive damage," Beltz says.

cals To keep wood-destroying beetles at bay, use only good-quality lumber and veneers that have been dried in a kiln or treated with chemicals, or stick with prefabricated or engineered wood products that are manufactured at high temperatures.

"That can actually help to control the beetles," Gold says.

Wood-destroying beetles Wood-destroying beetles can enter a home when it's constructed, getting a free ride on wood the builder brings to the site.

But these pests can also show up

Carpenter ants Unlike termites, carpenter ants don't eat wood. But they do remove it to form nesting sites for themselves.

"The end result is that the wood

if you introduce new wood into your home, Gold warns.

Building a wood-framed vegetable bed in your backyard, using recycled railroad ties in your garden or repairing a hardwood floor are just three examples of how that might happen.

"Because wood is shipped all over the place, you're never free from a potential beetle infestation.

In the higher-end house with fancy wood cabinets, doors and furniture, there's a higher probability that you'll have a beetle issue," Gold says.

Their enemies: Heat and chemi-

is being excavated," Gold says.

Various species of carpenter ants are specific to certain regions of the country, and they prefer to be outdoors near trees and woods.

How they invite themselves in They can enter a house if they're foraging for food or materials they want.

Door frames and windows, which may have moisture from condensation and may already be hollowed out, can be "very

attractive to some types of wooddestroying ants," Gold says.

Barriers or pesticides can help manage these pests.

Carpenter bees have a special love for unfinished wood as a place to lay their eggs.

"The female burrows into the wood with her mandibles and cuts a channel. Then she fills that hole or canal up with pollen and lays her eggs in there, and then carpenter bees will emerge," Gold says.

Shabby chic -- eek!

That preference for unfinished wood means woods that are painted or varnished might not appeal as much to these invaders. The shabby chic style of raw wood, or a fireplace woodpile inside or outside a home, can be carpenter bee magnets.

"Bringing wood indoors has a certain risk associated with it," Gold says. "Certainly we don't want people stacking wood against their house or garage. It needs to be out in the yard." -Courtesy bankrate.com

highly unregulated and the common man is being harassed by the builders and their associations.

"Therefore, the Committee strongly recommend the Ministry to expedite the matter and to urgently bring this Bill to be passed by the Parliament in order to give relief to the common masses who are being continually harassed at the hands of unscrupulous builders' lobby," the panel said in its report.

In its report, the Committee criticized the preparation activities during Phase I of Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) saying they were tardy. It noted that that the Ministry is in the process of developing a new scheme to cater to

housing for all by 2022.

The scheme of RAY is to be discontinued and the liabilities created by way of approval of projects are proposed to be subsumed in the new scheme Sardar Patel National Mission for Urban Housing, the panel said.

The panel also said that it is dismayed to note that no survey has been undertaken by the Ministry to assess the impact of FDI inflows into housing sector and especially with reference to urban poor.

"The Committee, therefore, strongly recommend the Ministry to get one such study conducted across the country urgently," the panel said. -PTI

Ex-Army chief V K Singh blamed for Adarsh row MUMBAI: Members of scamhit Adarsh Housing Society have accused former Army chief V K Singh of being responsible for the controversy surrounding the high-rise that stirred a political storm in Maharashtra and claimed there was no illegality in construction of the building here.

Ex-Army chief V K Singh

Addressing a press conference here, they claimed the prime land in Colaba on which the high-rise was built does not belong to Defense Ministry, as alleged, but to the state government, and de-

manded the structure be regularized.

The allottees of the 31-storey building cited RTI documents in support of their claim and said the criminal case made out against them by CBI has "fallen flat" after it had been established that the land does not belong to Defense Ministry.

It is the prosecution case that the land was actually meant to be a sixstorey structure to house Kargil war heroes and their kin but was later extended to 31 floors allegedly without mandatory permission.

Brigadier (Retd) T K Sinha, ad-hoc Chairman of Adarsh Housing Society, accused V K Singh, now a Union Minister, of sparking the entire controversy and "misleading" the then Defense Minister A K Antony.-PTI

„ Health

Line

Mental health units set up in homes for women NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has set up mental health units in all its correctional and destitute homes for women and children to help the inmates realize their potential and join the mainstream.

A team of three to five experts, including psychiatrists, counselors and psychologists, has been deployed in each home and they have been mandated with the responsibility of doing complete psychological profiling of the inmates who come with histories of abuse, neglect, violence and trauma.

"It has been two weeks since these mental health units were set up in all the homes for women and children in partnership with NGOs. "Earlier, these services were restricted to juvenile homes. But now it has been formally set up in all homes with greater number of staff who are technically qualified," said Saumya Gupta, Director of the Department of Women and Child Development of the Delhi government.

The experts also provide other facilities like family counseling, anger management, career and emotional counseling and also medication if needed, said Gupta.

"Also these experts are available round-the-clock and they could be reached anytime in the day or night in case of an emergency," said Gupta.

The department has formed a monitoring and evaluation committee comprising experts from the Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences, AIIMS and Delhi University, which will assess and monitor the quality of services on quarterly basis. -PTI

Health Science 32 India Post

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December 26, 2014

Diabetic kids have slower brain growth Details on Page 34

DU researchers develop safe & portable blood substitute NEW DELHI: Unavailability of blood in emergency situations such as accidents or battlefield trauma will no longer be a problem as a Delhi University department has claimed to have developed a safe and portable blood substitute which can be used irrespective of blood groups.

A team of researchers at Delhi University's department of Biochemistry, led by professor Suman Kundu, has applied for a patent for laboratory-made haemoglobin which, according to them, enjoys several advantages as a blood substitute.

"The lab developed haemoglobin is a safe and portable blood substitute. It has multiple advantages like cheaper cost of production, long shelf life, blood group neutral, no associated risk of transmission of diseases and easy to store," Kundu told PTI. "Traditional blood transfusion practice is to use blood donated by benevolent human individuals (donor). However, the worldwide supply of donated blood for transfusion therapy is always woefully short than the demand due to either a general aversion to blood donation or inability to

donate blood due to medical reasons," he said.

Scientists have thus been forced to look for alternatives to donated blood, which are called "artificial blood substitutes", "ar-

prolonged periods in different conditions and can be used to treat individuals of any blood type but haven't been successful so far due to one shortcoming.

The blood substitute can prove to be a boon for patients who face the problem of unavailability of blood.

tificial haemoglobins" or "haemoglobin based oxygen carriers (HBOC)".

According to Kundu, researchers across the world have been trying for years to develop a portable blood substitute that functions as an oxygen carrier, is stable enough to be stored for

"The protein (haemoglobin) easily releases a chemical compound called 'heme' due to its breakdown under physiological conditions. Heme is severely toxic to the body when released from the haemoglobin molecule," he said.

In India, one unit of blood

(350-400 cc) costs around Rs 500800, while this blood substitute will cost approximately 10-12 per cent less than that. Moreover, blood can be stored at blood banks for 40-50 days while the substitute can be stored for three years, Kundu claimed.

The DU researchers have discovered that the 'heme' can be tightly associated with haemoglobin by introducing a chemical bond between the two.

"We changed one strategic amino acid (building block of proteins) in a model haemoglobin, named 'myoglobin', to a different amino acid which can make the desired chemical bond.

The modified haemoglobin showed all properties like normal haemoglobin but did not release 'heme' under any experimental conditions tested," he said.

According to Kundu, the experiment can be implemented in practice and made commercially viable in the next two to three years.

The research finding has been published in "Journal of Biological Chemistry (JBC)", an esteemed international scientific journal. PTI

„ Firefighters donate toys to hospital children BISMARCK, N.D.: North Dakota firefighters have donated at least 100 toys to children who've been hospitalized.

KXMB-TV reports Bismarck firefighters have given the toys to children hospitalized at Sanford and St. Alexius.

Fire Captain Luke Teagle says this is the third year that firefighters have come together to give out presents.

Newborn Lendora Bello received a stuffed Mickey Mouse.

Lendora's mom, Lenita, says the firefighters' visit was an ``honor.''

Lendora will be two weeks old December 23.

Teagle says this year's donation is the biggest yet. -AP

14 Indian states consulted on Health Policy NEW DELHI: Consultations on the proposed National Health Policy are at an advanced stage and two rounds of discussions with 14 states have already been held.

Disclosing this here, Health Minister J P Nadda said all stakeholders, including the public, will be consulted before finalization of the policy.

"Two rounds of exhaustive discussions with 14 states have already taken place and others will be consulted soon. We also plan to elicit the views of the public once the draft policy is prepared. We will put it in public domain," Nadda told PTI. He said the Narendra Modi government will come out with a

new health policy and deliver on its election promise of public health facilities for all.

Nadda, who is also a BJP gen-

eral secretary, said after working out on various areas of the new policy the gaps in the health system have to be removed.

With the consultation process

having started, Nadda sought support of doctors in formulating such a policy that will help bring relief to people on their medical needs. The process of discussion has started and a Steering Committee has also been formed for putting in place its areas.

The consultation process, he said, will be "complete and exhaustive" and all stakeholders will be involved, including doctors through formal and informal discussions.

"No policy can be formulated with-

out stakeholders," he said, adding the views of all will be sought before finalizing such a policy.

"We would like to do it soon because we have to give the results also," he said.

The minister said the government's priority is to provide good medical facilities for all and for improving health infrastructure in the country, including in rural areas.

"This government is different. It is a pro-people and proactive government and believes in delivery. This government is transparent and accountable. It is a responsive government led

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he added. -PTI

December 26, 2014

Health Science Post

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Japanese develop microfine adhesive sensors TOKYO: Scientists in Japan have devel- highly accurate readings. oped a sticky sheet of tiny sensors that The sticky sheets could be used in can be put directly on moving joints, beat- healthcare or sports science, the team said. ing hearts or other living tissues.

"Although we are currently at the aniThe invention opens up the possibility mal experimentation stage, this compressof implanting almost unnoticeable sensors like sensor has been successfully attached inside the body, letting doctors keep a close even to internal tissues, such as a rat's eye on a dodgy heart, for example. heart," the team said.

"Just by applying to the body like a com"In the future, this technology will be press, our novel sheet sensor detects bio- applied to internally implanted electrical metric information extremely accurately," re- systems and the scope of application for searchers at the University of Tokyo said electrical devices will increase." in a statement.

The study, done with backing by the The secret is an adhesive gel that prevents a fine grid of sensors from slipping, even if the thing they are in contact with is moving, said the team led by Professor Takao Someya at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Systems.

Conventional devices often use silicon and other relatively rigid materials, which can be uncomfortable for wearers.

Sensors are printed at 4 milliThe invention opens up the possibility of implanting almost meter intervals on very thin plastic. This allows the manufacturer unnoticeable sensors inside the body, letting doctors keep a close eye on a dodgy heart, for example to get as many as 144 individual sensors on a sheet just a little bigger than governmental Japan Science and Technolan after dinner mint. ogy Agency, was published in Nature ComTheir proximity to the organ or joint they munications in its December 19 edition. are measuring means they are able to take AFP

India to be manufacturing hub for clinical products: Siemens NEW DELHI: German conglomerate Siemens is looking at expansion of its manufacturing base of healthcare equipment such as X-ray and other products in India to cater to the global market.

The company said it does not plan to open a new facility in India as of now, but would wish to expand its existing manufac-

The company also wants to provide access to quality healthcare to more Indians through Siemens' financial solutions, she added. turing base here to supply clinical products to other countries.

"We want to increase the breadth and depth of our local manufacturing portfolio primarily with 'local-for-local concept' as India is a very significant market. Eventually we aim to manufacture in India for global consumption as well," Siemens Healthcare CEO for Clinical Products Division Britta Fuenfstueck told PTI. Stating that India is more "receptive" to

innovations and "very quick" to adopt newly launched global products, she said the company wants to "introduce more India-relevant products" from the global basket like digital radiography.

The company also wants to provide access to quality healthcare to more Indians through Siemens' financial solutions, she added.

Currently, Siemens's Goa plant makes different kinds of x-rays and c-arms for both domestic and global market, while its Baroda unit manufactures urine strips and reagents used for testing lab diagnostic samples.

Noting that the company sees new competition from India particularly in x-ray and ultrasound business, Fuenfstueck said, "Indian competition is very tough with aggressive pricing models. However, Siemens is a well established and large organization with strong support for our customers. We gain a lot of experience in the fierce competition in India.

This helps us to win in the global market."

The company has a very comprehensive product portfolio on the entry level side.

"Additionally, we see Indian doctors look not only on the equipment price, but on life-cycle cost including service offerings.

From this perspective, we do have an attractive offering for the Indian market," she added.-PTI

Ban on gutka has positive impact: WHO MUMBAI: Stringent state-level laws banning gutka have a positive impact as reduced product availability has resulted in decreased consumption of gutka, according to World Health Organization (WHO).

In a study conducted by the WHO in seven states - Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha and National Capital Region (NCR) - 92 per cent respondents supported ban on sale of gutka, while a whopping 99 per cent said the ban was good for the health of Indian youth.

"These findings have a strong message that regulatory mechanisms are effective and can have a positive impact on the consumption pattern. The ban did impact use.

Of the respondents who continue to use pre-packaged gutka, 49 per cent reported they consume less since the ban.

There was high degree of unanimity among respondents (90 per cent) that the government should ban the manufacturing, sale and distribution of other forms of smokeless tobacco," WHO Representative to India Dr Nata Menabde said in a release here.

However, sharing the peril of use of tobacco with other ingredients like pan masala

etc, Director, Research and Strategic Planning at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Communications Programs, Dr Pradeep Krishnatray said most of the respondents consumed tobacco by mixing it with a

packet of pan masala with zarda.

"This innovation has adversely affected the very purpose and consequent impact of the ban," he added.

The study found that interest in quitting is high as approximately half of respondents reported attempting to quit gutka in last one year. -PTI

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Diabetic kids have slower brain growth WASHINGTON: Young children with type 1 diabetes have slower brain growth compared to their non-diabetic peers, a new study has found.

Continued exposure to hyperglycemia, or high blood sugars, may be detrimental to the developing brain, scientists said.

"Our results show the potential vulnerability of young developing brains to abnormally elevated glucose levels, even when the diabetes duration has been relatively brief," said Nelly Mauras, Chief, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism at Nemours Children's Clinic in Jacksonville, and lead author of the study.

Mauras and colleagues across the Diabetes Research in Children Network (DirecNet) of five clinical pediatric diabetes centers and a coordinating center, studied brain development in children ages four to nine years old with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

They used structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cognitive tests to determine if abnormal blood glucose levels impact brain structure and function at a young age.

Children with T1D also underwent blood sugar monitoring using continuous glucose sensors.

The researchers found that the brains of children with diabetes showed slower overall and regional growth of gray and white matter compared to children with-

out diabetes.

These changes were associated with higher and more variable blood sugar levels.

Although there were no significant differences in cognitive function between groups at 18-months,

the brain imaging results suggest that the children with T1D had differences in brain maturation compared to children without diabetes.

Some of the brain regions impacted are involved in visual-spatial processing, executive functions and working memory.

"Despite the best efforts of parents and diabetes care team, about 50 per cent of all blood glucose concentrations during the study were measured in the high range," said Mauras.

"Remarkably, the cognitive tests remained normal, but whether these observed changes will ultimately impact brain function will need further study.

"As better technology develops, we hope to determine if the differences observed with brain imaging can improve with better glucose control," said Mauras.

The study is published in the journal Diabetes. -PTI

Fungi used to turn plastic into food LONDON: Austrian researchThe FUs are filled with waste ers have developed a working plastic, which has been sterilized model of an incubator that uses with UV light - a process which fungi to break down waste plastic also speeds up the degradation and turn it into edible nutritious process of the plastic, making it food. easier for the fungi to feed off it.

In collaboration with Utrecht Fungi sprouts in a liquid nitroUniversity, designers Katharina gen solution are then inserted in Unger and Julia Kaisinger of Livin the FU. They digest the plastic Studio, have developed a work- and grow on the surface of the ing model of the incubator, called FU. the Fungi Mutarium, that takes "We worked with fungi named parts of mushrooms that are usually left uneaten and grows them into fresh food using waste plastic.

The Fungi Mutarium grows edible fungal biomass, mainly the mycelia - the thread-like body of the The Fungi Command Center fungus which contains proteins and minerals, 'The Local' re- Schizophyllum Commune and ported.

Pleurotus Ostreatus. They are The mycelium is cultivated on found throughout the world and specifically designed agar shapes, can be seen on a wide range of which the researchers call FU. timbers and many other plantAgar is a seaweed based gela- based substrates virtually anytin substitute and acts, when where in Europe, Asia, Africa, the mixed with starch and sugar, as a Americas and Australia," Unger nutrient base for the fungi. said. -PTI

3D printed braces allow dog 6 pc people worldwide to run for first time NEW YORK: A disabled dog in the US has been successfully fitted with 3D printed prosthetics, allowing him to run down the street for the first time ever.

Derby was born with a congenital deformity characterized by small forearms and no front paws.

Derby was, until now, only able to get around on soft surfaces. Hard surfaces, like sidewalks, caused severe abrasions on his front extremities.

Derby is now able to run alongside, and sometimes past, his newly adoptive owners.

Having fostered Derby through the dog rescue group Peace and Paws in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, Tara Anderson, an employee at South Carolina-based 3D Systems, decided to help.

Using 3D technology, she knew it would be possible to rapidly design and manufacture prosthetics customized to Derby's morphology.

Derrick Campana, a certified Orthotist at Animal Ortho Care in Chantilly, Virginia, and 3DS designers, Kevin Atkins and Dave DiPinto, used data of Derby's forearms to create the 3D design.

The team utilized Geomagic Freeform, a digital sculpting platform, which allowed them to create perfect organic shapes and smooth curves for Derby's shape.

Anderson and the designers built complete prosthetics with comfortable cups in rubber and rigid spokes and base.

Ready in a few hours, the prosthetics were shipped to Derby for testing.

"The dovetailing of 3D scanning and design with the ProJet 5500X multimaterial 3D printing allowed for the creation of complete prosthetics printed in a single build, customfit to Derby," Buddy Byrum, Vice President of Product and Channel Management, 3DS said in a statement. -PTI

addicted to internet

WASHINGTON: As many as 6 per cent people in the world are addicted to the internet which may be adversely affecting their lives, including their health and interpersonal relationships, according to a new global study which included data from India.

Internet addiction is an impulse-control problem marked by an inability to inhibit Internet use, which can negatively impact a person's life, health and interpersonal relationships, researchers said.

The prevalence of Internet addiction varies among regions around the world, according to data from more than 89,000 individuals in 31 countries.

Researchers Cecelia Cheng and Angel Yee-lam Li, from The University of Hong Kong, found that internet addiction affects 6 per cent of people worldwide.

Prevalence ranged from a low

of 2.6 per cent in Northern and Western Europe to a high of 10.9 per cent in the Middle East.

In Asia, which included data from China, Hong Kong, India, South Korea and Taiwan, 7.1 per cent people were found to be addicted to the internet.

"This study provides initial support for the inverse relationship between quality of life and Internet Addiction (IA)," according to the research published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking.

"It, however, finds no support for the hypothesis that high Internet accessibility (such as the high penetration rates in northern and western Europe), promote IA," said Editor-in-Chief Brenda K Wiederhold, Interactive Media Institute, San Diego, California and Virtual Reality Medical Institute, Brussels, Belgium.

-PTI

December 26, 2014

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Liberia holds Senate vote amid Ebola fears MONROVIA, Liberia: Health workers carrying thermometers and sanitizers manned polling stations across Liberia on Saturday December 20 as voters cast their ballots in a twice-delayed Senate election that has been criticized for its potential to spread the deadly Ebola disease.

A total of 1.9 million voters are registered to participate in 15 Senate races throughout the country contested by 139 candidates. But Jerome Korkoya, chairman of the National Elections Commission, said that turnout had been low. ``What bothers me is the low turnout, but I am not surprised,'' he said by telephone from Bong County, where he was

casting his ballot. ``That's what you find in most of the world now in a political process.''

Originally scheduled for October, the vote was pushed back to Dec. 16 as Liberia struggled to contain the Ebola epidemic, which has killed nearly 3,300 people in the country. Officials then pushed it back four more days.

The disease appears to have slowed in recent weeks in Liberia, though critics questioned whether the vote could be conducted safely and credibly.

The three countries hit hardest by Ebola - Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea have now recorded 7,373 deaths, up from

New director plans Alaska's Medicaid expansion ANCHORAGE, Alaska: Alaska's new Medicaid expansion project director plans to extend health care coverage to some of Alaska's lowest-income residents.

Alaska Dispatch News reported that Chris Ashenbrenner was appointed by Gov. Bill Walker when he created the new position.

The planned expansion will extend Medicaid coverage to all Alaskans who earn up to 138 percent of the poverty level or about $20,120 per year.

Before that can happen in Alaska, Ashenbrenner will have to work through a series of hurdles. The state's Medicaid eligibility and payment systems have been plagued with defects. She'll also have to convince lawmakers to accept and spend federal funds on expansion and to allocate state dollars for infrastructure to handle the expanded program.

Medicaid expansion was one of the key points during Walker's campaign against former Gov. Sean Parnell, who said the expansion under the federal Affordable Care Act was too costly.

When Ashenbrenner first took a job with the state in 1982, she worked as a clerk in the Division of Public Assistance, eventually rising to the role of director in 2001. Her focuses included implementing Denali KidCare and welfare reform. Most recently, Ashenbrenner served as the executive director of the Alaska Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault before retiring in 2009.

She came out of retirement for the new post.

``We knew we needed someone with a proven track record for bringing on pretty heavy projects; pretty transformational projects to the state,'' said the state health department's commissioner Valerie Davidson.

Originally, Ashenbrenner said, she

Chris Ashenbrenner is the new Medicaid expansion project director with the Department of Health and Social Services.

planned to complete her work on Medicaid expansion by king salmon season, but since better assessing the task at hand, she said, ``now I'm saying, `How about hunting season?'''

Ashenbrenner was a fisherman before she quit her job in 1981 to find a job with health insurance. -AP

12 Minnesota hospitals face Medicare penalties MINNEAPOLIS: Federal data shows a dozen Minnesota hospitals face penalties from the Medicare program for having a high rate of patients with infections, bed sores or other complications that could be prevented.

With 12 of 50 hospitals making the list, that means Minnesota hospitals are penalized at a rate of 24 percent - only slightly better than the national average.

Hospital leaders have stepped up ef-

forts to reduce infection and complication rates.

Minnesota Hospital Association Vice President Mark Sonneborn tells the Star Tribune that hospital officials had hoped for a better performance.

Sonneborn said the state's recent attention to hospital-acquired conditions might mean that Minnesota hospitals are more apt to report them. But, he says hospitals still need to do better. -AP

6,900 on Wednesday, the World Health Organization said. Many of the latest deaths have occurred in Sierra Leone.

Assistant Health Minister Tolbert Nyenswah warned that anyone running a temperature higher than 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 Celsius) could be removed from the line and sent for screening. A sudden fever is one of the signs of Ebola infection. ``Let's fight to the last until the last Ebola case is gone out of this country,'' Nyenswah said.

On a visit to Liberia, United Nations SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon urged voters to follow health guidelines ``to protect yourself and your loved ones'' from the disease, which is spread through contact with the bodily fluids of sick people. ``This election will Liberians queue to cast their votes during the senate election in give Liberia and its Monrovia, Liberia. Saturday, Dec. 20. Health workers manned people an opportunity to polling stations across Liberia as voters cast their ballots in a show the world how far it twice-delayed Senate vote that has been criticized for its has come,'' Ban said. potential to spread the deadly Ebola disease.

The most high-profile Liberian officials vowed to distribute race, in Monrovia's Montserrado County, 4,700 thermometers and 10,000 bottles of pits opposition leader George Weah against sanitizer to polling stations in prepara- Robert Sirleaf, son of President Ellen tion for the election. Earlier in the week, Johnson Sirleaf.-AP

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December 26, 2014

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Indian Diaspora is eager to give back to Motherland

F

rom Hindi songs like 'Chitthi aayi hai aayi hai, chitthi aayi hai' to a movie like "Swades", Bollywood has always painted Non Resident Indians (NRIs) as people who are emotionally and psychologically attached to India and are constantly making an effort to reconnect with their Indian roots. While the examples from Cine World may have some 'masala' added to it, from my experience of more than 12 years abroad, I can safely say that a large part of the NRI community is very passionate about giving back to the country of their birth.

With close to 25 million in number, the Indian Diaspora spread across the globe is very diverse in terms of migration, places, culture and languages, but India acts as the umbilical cord to all these communities.

People of Indian origin (PIO) living in countries like Mauritius, Fiji and the Caribbean group of islands migrated more than a century ago and maintain a symbolic and spiritual connection with India. While, NRIs of Middle East, Europe and Americas are into first or second generations and maintain active ties with India and many of them feel invested in India.

The affinity towards your country intensifies once you settle outside. The desire to make a difference and bring about a change in India is common among NRIs. This desire is further

MUNISH RAIZADA

nized ones - have help for the commuestablished overnity scattered in Inseas chapters and dia and abroad. hence are able to Some organizations tap NRI contribuhave also come up tions. Prime exto promote Indian amples include languages (exPratham, Akshya ample, Sanskrit, Patra, Ekal Hindi) on foreign Vidyalaya. shores.

Another way Over the years, for NRIs is to creIndians settled ate non-profits in abroad - more so their country of younger generaabode to specifition - have become cally serve India. increasingly interUS-based left -leanested in political Dr Munish Kumar Raizada ing Association for activism and civic India's Development (AID) is one such promi- engagement in India. The lethargic pace of nent example, but numerous smaller non-prof- development in the country despite conits exist. Education (literacy) and health are tinuous remittances from the NRIs has probably made them realize that little can be changed without improving politics of the country. Rise of India against Corruption (IAC) movement in 2011 was a shot in the arm for the NRI community.

It canalized their brewing anger and gave them a platform to fight against corruption. Later, when it took shape of a political party in the form of Aam Pratham Aadmi Party, NRIs came the two main themes that attract NRIs to serve to support it like a beeline. Similarly, NRIs India. Cultural and religious exchange and rooting for Shri Narendra Modi is another preservation of heritage is another area of example of NRIs' eagerness to bring about interest. Hindu Swayamsewak a change via politics.

Sangh, Chinmaya Mission, NRIs also use the channels of academia ISCON, and Swami Narayan and advocacy in an effort to give back to sect have active global pres- their motherland. In today's era of internet, ence. active exchange of information and knowlSimilarly, Gurudwaras out- edge is possible. American Association of side India act as platforms for Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) is one active exchange of ideas and readily available example. And as people of

Indian decent get into political establishment of countries of adoption, that would come as strength for the respective countries and India.

Indian Diaspora is a valuable asset to India. Acknowledging this and in order to tap the potential, government of India started organizing an annual Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) several years ago. But much more needs to be done to capitalize upon the vast resources.

The cumbersome and sometimes doubtful mechanisms back home discourage the NRIs to fund well-meaning projects in India. Easing out and simplifying visa rules would further assist the people to come back and contribute whole heartedly to their homeland.

The long standing demand of dual citizenship by the people of Indian Diaspora

Ekal Vidyalaya

also needs to be re-looked into more comprehensively. Similarly, NRIs have been demanding that they (those who still retain Indian citizenship) should be able to cast their votes without the need to come to India. This would greatly boost their interest towards the country and give them a sense of pride and ownership.

The author is a Chicago-based medical doctor (Neonatologist) Email : pedia333@gmail.com

Children having Akshaya Patra mid-day-meal at Baroda

supported by their ability to take a more neutral stand towards India's problems by looking at them as an outsider. Comparing India to the outer world gives them a much wider perspective of the issues in India.

So how NRIs give back to the country of their birth or ancestry? It is very common to see NRIs associating themselves with a charitable work in India. This may be in the form of giving time and or money to a cause of their liking through informal channels or via registered NGOs. Increasingly, Indian NGOs - particularly bigger and well orga-

File photo of President, Pranab Mukherjee with the awardees of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, at the Valedictory Session of the 12th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas ‘Engaging Diaspora Connecting Across Generation’, in New Delhi on January 9, 2014

December 26, 2014

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India Post 39

40 India Post

P

ondicherry (Puducheri) literally means 'the new settlement'. The French settlement comprising the town Pondicherry, fondly called Pondy and three other pockets in different states, Karaikal (Tamil Nadu), Mahe (Kerala), and Yanam (Andhra Pradesh), is what makes today's Union Territory of Pondicherry, which is 200 km south of Chennai (Madras).

On the way to Pondicherry, one gets to see the scenery typical of the Deccan plateau. Striking red soil and deep green vegetation, consisting mainly of cashew, palm and neem, form-

www.indiapost.com

ing a stunning landscape.

The township of Pondicherry is planned on a grid system, which is to say that the roads meet each other at right angles. On the seaward side is the long Petit Canal which divides the town so that the French township is on the side facing the sea and the predominantly Indian/Tamil one on the other.

Tourist attractions In the heart of the town lies the Samadhi, or the ashram of Sri Aurobindo Ghosh. At the Ashram's hand-made pa-

December 26, 2014

per factory one can buy the most wonderful paper products. The Ashram also has departments selling handpainted saris, ties, and dress material. On the way, one can notice people playing a strange game with iron balls, which was a French form of amusement.

The beach road is like the mall of a hill station, where everyone comes for a stroll. The footpath is interspersed with trees, flower beds and has lots of benches to sit on and enjoy the evening. Here one can even take a ride in a catamaran by requesting the fishermen, as is the practice.

Cont’d on page 42

December 26, 2014

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Delhi offers affordable airport transportation MUMBAI: When it comes to most affordable and convenient ways to reach your destination in the country, New Delhi offers the most affordable taxis for travelers from the airport to the city centre, covering 17.70 kilometer in Rs 500, according to a recent survey.

It takes about 35 minutes from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in the capital city to reach the city centre, online accommodation booking website the Hotels.com 'Airport Transportation Insider' survey said.

Further it said, in Delhi the local taxi costs around Rs 500 and for travelers looking for mass transit the Metro is one of the fastest ways to commute in the city.

Recently a Superfast Airport Express has also been introduced to connect the airport with the cen-

tral part of New Delhi, which costs Rs 30-100 depending on the dis-

mately 20 minutes to reach the city centre that about 11 kilometers and

tance, it added.

New Delhi is followed by the financial capital of the country Mumbai, where it takes approxi-

costs about Rs 350.

Yellow Black taxis, auto rickshaws along with the local trains

Amphibian bus service planned for Mumbai, Konkan PUNE: The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is toying with the idea of starting an amphibian bus service at some tourist spots along the Mumbai and Konkan coast.

The MTDC has invited expression of interest in this regard.

"We have received a go-ahead from MTDC Director Valsa Nair Singh for starting an amphibian bus service. Initially to make it economically viable, we plan to start it at the Mumbai port," As-

ceive the feasibility report from experts.

"This report will have information about probable tourist spots, the rules and regulations, tariff structure, the capacity of buses, among other things," he said.

"The amphibian buses can ply on land as well as on (or under) water. The tourists can see some picturesque locations in and around Mumbai by traveling in it.

The vehicle will take them to the tourist spots at sea around

"The amphibian buses can ply on land as well as on (or under) water. The tourists can see some picturesque locations sistant Managing Director of MTDC, Satish Soni said.

"We have decided to launch the amphibian buses to add entertainment and adventure value to tourism Maharashtra. We are currently studying the existing amphibian bus service in operation at Thames River in London.

Popularly known as Duck Service, this is one of the best attractions for the tourists visiting London," Soni added.

Over the next couple of months, the corporation will re-

Mumbai," he said.

In August this year, Mumbaibased private operator Maritime Energy Heli Air Services Pvt Ltd (Mehair), in association with MTDC, had launched maiden seaplane service to Lonavala from Mumbai, marking its first operation from the mainland.

The first commercial seaplane flight with nine passengers onboard a Cessna 208A aircraft, had taken off from the Juhu aerodrome to Pawana dam in Lonavala. -PTI

and buses are available for travelers commuting.

When it comes to Bengaluru, travelers will have to pay Rs 1,050 with the average time of 1 hour 20 minutes by cab covering a distance of 34 kilometers from the airport to the city centre, it said.

Among the international destinations the survey found that Bangkok offers the most affordable taxis for travelers from the airport to the city centre, covering 27.35 kilometers in Rs 491.

Bangkok is followed by Beijing, Mexico City, Singapore and Rio de Janeiro, where transportation from the airport to the city centre is offered at a price below Rs 1,200.

The London Heathrow airport is one of the busiest airports of the world and a cab from the air-

port to the city centre would cost around Rs 6,700, while a pocket friendly alternative would be to use the mass transit at Rs 552.

Other airports offering affordable mass transit options are Mexico City at Rs 22, while the TransMilenio bus in Bogota the capital city of Colombia costs about Rs 61.

Travelers in Singapore prefer to use the MRT rail, which costs approximately Rs 61.

Hotels.com has compiled an insider's look at the best transportation options from 29 major airports around the world and India.

The Airport Transportation Insider compares taxi, private car and mass transit options within the most popular international and domestic destinations. -PTI

42

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Pondicherry Green vegetation & unique ashram of Auroville Cont’d from page 40

Botanical Gardens.

Overlooking the sea among the many mansions, the most striking is the one called Marie. It is built in the French style and is actually the municipality office. The other buildings which are reminiscent of the French architectural style are the Samadhi, French Institute, Ecole Francaise, Raj Niwas to name a few.

Places around There are exciting bird watching excursions at Kaliveli Tank, Ousteri or the lighthouse marsh.

Gingee about 50 km south east of Madras is a very interesting enclave of forts that were constructed around the 1200 AD. Also close at hand is the fossil tree - Tiruvakkadai and Ramana

Dravidian architecture.

World famous for its shore temples, Mahabalipuram is a pleasant little village - an ideal place for relaxation. Besides the temple relics, one can visit the Crocodile Bank too.

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park has living corals for one to see. The temple cities of Thanjavur and Kumbhakonam are also close at hand from

with a meter gauge link with Chennai via Villupuram by the Pondicherry Express.

Road - Pondicherry has a good network of roads, which connects it with most of South India.

Somnath complex to be made attractive to tourists Exactly parallel to the beach road runs the Rue Dumas Street, which was the first street to be built here in the year 1706. Strolling northwards one would come to a large park, which is Government Square.

Auroville, about 10 km away from Pondicherry, is a unique experience. The place has been transformed into a lush green cover from a highly eroded area, by 25 years of sheer hard work.

Ousteri and Kaliveli near Pondicherry are a birdwatchers' paradise. Kaliveli is famous for flamingoes, while Ousteri is great for observing water birds.

Nehru Street is a paradise for shoppers where one can buy leather and pottery goods. Besides a lot of gift items like bags, bed sheets, paper lanterns and trendy T-shirts can be bought.

The other attractions in Pondicherry are the Duplex and the

Maharishi's Ashram at Tiruvunamallai. The backwaters of Pichavaram and Chidambaram are full of mangroves and birds too.

South of Pondicherry, at Chidambaram, there is a temple complex - a good example of

Pondicherry.

How to reach Air - Pondicherry is linked with Chennai (Madras), which is 200 km away.

Rail - Pondicherry is connected

NEW DELHI: A high-level meeting, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, discussed ways to make the Somnath temple complex in Gujarat more attractive for tourists and create the related infrastructure for the purpose.

The deliberations took place at a meeting of the Somnath Trust here which was also attended by Chairman of the Trust Keshubhai Patel and the other trustees - senior BJP leader L K Advani, P K Lahiri, Harshvardhan Neotia and J D Parmar.

"The trustees discussed ways and means to make the Somnath complex even more attractive for tourists. They discussed the town infrastructure, keeping in view the increase in the number of tourists," a PMO statement said.

Ongoing projects of

the Trust were also discussed, it added.

The temple is built on the shore of the Arabian Sea and pilgrimage to this shrine is one of the oldest.

The trustees nominated Keshubhai Patel as Chairman of the Trust for one more year. -PTI

December 26, 2014

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Shanghai seeks cooperation with Mumbai in tourism SHANGHAI: IT and tourism are the major areas in which Shanghai can cooperate with its sister city Mumbai and China is keen to jointly hold activities in the two financial capitals to forge a bond between the two countries, officials said.

"Among the areas of co-operation, I think Information Technology and tourism are the major sectors in which we both can work together. And, since they have been declared as sister cities, we will soon plan to do something together to boost the cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries," Vice-Director, All China Youth Federation (Shanghai), Zhao Guo Qiang told PTI here.

During Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India earlier this year, a bilateral agreement was signed to make the two metropolitan cities, Shanghai and Mumbai, as sister cities.

An agreement was also signed in Gujarat during that time to make

Ahmedabad, a sister city of Guangzhou, a leading commercial centre in China.

"Shanghai and Mumbai are similar in many ways. Both are fi-

nancial and business capitals of their respective country and both are favorites among the tourists.

And after becoming sister cities, the ties between the two will only deepen," Zhao said.

He said, besides, business and economic ties, it is the people-topeople and cultural ties through engaging the youth of the two countries, especially of the two mega cities that a "good bond of friendship" can be forged.

Zhao, recently hosted the Indian Youth Delegation to China in Shanghai and said that through such cultural exchange of youth, "the understanding among the youth of their counterpart can

5 free things in Vancouver, from parks to Gastown VANCOUVER, Canada: Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world's most livable cities. The city offers diverse ethnic neighborhoods, old and new, and lots of options for shopping and dining. But many of the west coast Canadian port city's most beautiful attractions are free. Public art dots the urban landscape and there are miles of beaches and forested walks readily accessible by transit bus or train.

STANLEY PARK One of the world's largest urban parks, Stanley Park is named for the British lord for who gave his name the National Hockey League's Stanley Cup. Stroll along the English Bay sea wall from the trendy West End neighborhood, under the Lions Gate suspension bridge, and watch freighters and cruise ships passing beneath with mountains as a backdrop. Or cut through the park's forested center and meander along fern-lined paths as oldgrowth rain forest cedars tower above, cutting past Beaver Lake as herons fly overhead. At Brockton Point, majestic west coast aboriginal totem poles rise among the trees. Not far away is a children's water park at harbor's edge. The park, Vancouver's gem,

also boasts rose and rhododendron gardens with some 8,000 plants.

GRANVILLE ISLAND A favorite with locals and visitors alike, bustling Granville Island rests on the south shore of False Creek with views of downtown, English Bay and 2010 Winter Olympics venues.

Its center is the Granville Island Public Market, several buildings of hawkers, artists and a tantalizing selection of food from meat and vegetables, to chocolate and bagels bound to stop any dieter in their tracks. A vast outdoor deck looks onto False Creek where visitors feed seagulls and enjoy performance artists.

The island's Rail spur Alley is

home to a wide array of artisans, glassblowers and craft shops. It's also just a good place to sit back and watch the world pass by over coffee - and remember, drinking coffee here is a sport.

DR. SUN YAT-SEN PARK Visitors can relax in a pagoda at the edge of a lily pad-filled pond, where a turtle might poke its head above the water as giant carp swim idly by in the dark green waters.

Filled with stonework and bamboo-lined trails, the garden rests behind moss-covered, tile-topped Chinese walls amid the bustle of downtown Vancouver. Yet it remains an oasis of peace in the eye of the urban storm.

Across the street is the Rennie Gallery at Win Sang boasting a

be promoted, which translates into better understanding of that country too."

"I only hope that such exchange programs and making of ShanghaiMumbai as sister cities would only open up new venues and avenues for bilateral co-operation between the two cities, in particular and the two countries in general," he said.

"Becoming sister cities would mean expediting joint projects between the two sides, and their faster execution," Joint Secretary (Youth Affairs), Ministry of Youth Affairs, Lailt Kumar Gupta, who accompanied the delegation in Shanghai, said.

Gupta also held talks with Zhao here over areas where the two cities could cooperate.

"Sister City agreements would imply that a joint project on municipal level can be taken up between the corresponding sides without having to go through successive layering of ministerial approvals. The tag allows for executing work at a much faster pace," Gupta said.

"Say, if Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation wants to initiate a project with a municipal body of Guangzhou, they can execute it at their own level only. The same goes for municipal bodies in Shanghai and Mumbai too," he said.

Sister cities tag between towns

and even counties in geographically and politically distinct areas seek to promote cultural and commercial ties between the two sides.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been championing city-to-city ties between nations, exploring possible areas of mutually beneficial cooperation.

During his recent visit to Japan, Kyoto was paired with Varanasi as sister cities. The two cities have signed an agreement to ensure greater cooperation in the fields of art, culture, conservation and modernization.

Last year the Manmohan Singh-government had signed an agreement with China to establish sister city relations between DelhiBeijing, Bengaluru-Chengdu and Kolkata-Kunming to foster peopleto-people ties.

"The agreement allows city officials to learn from each other, and civic officials, for instance can look at how China manages its counterpart city or manages and maintains its heritage can then replicate it back home," said Gupta.

Experts in India believe that the sister city agreement should bring in more investment to Mumbai.

Apart from Shanghai, Mumbai has seven other sister cities - London (the UK), Los Angeles (the US), Berlin (Germany), St Petersburg (Russia), Stuttgart (Germany), Yokohama (Japan) and Busan (South Korea).-PTI

collection of contemporary art.

Tours are free by appointment.

Parts of the collection are regularly on loan to New York's Guggenheim and Metropolitan museums, the Pompidou in Paris, Smithsonian in Washington and Tate in London.

Nearby is Vancouver's Chinatown, small compared to others but an interesting melange of sights, smells and sounds.

Vancouver's skid row at Main and Hastings. There's an ornate library endowed by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie as well as an open street drug market.

GASTOWN Gastown is the heart of old Vancouver. With evocative street names like Gaoler's Mews and Blood Alley, Gastown revolves around the statue of ``Gassy'' Jack Deighton, a colorful rogue credited with being one of Vancouver's pioneers.

Stroll down the tree-lined, cobbled sidewalks of Water Street from Waterfront Station and enjoy buskers, pop into a west coast aboriginal art gallery.

But take care if you wander two blocks south to the heart of

MACMILLAN SPACE CENTRE Explore the mysteries of the

night sky at Vancouver's H.R. MacMillan Space Centre on Vanier Point in the Kitsilano neighborhood. The facility's Gordon Southam Observatory features a half-meter (1.6-foot) Cassegrain telescope. The observatory dome, 10 meters (33 feet) in diameter, was built in 1979 and is open to the public Saturdays 8 p.m. -midnight. -AP

In Brief Ties with Cuba won't change immigration rules WASHINGTON: Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson says the Obama administration's decision to renew diplomatic ties with Cuba will not impact U.S. immigration rules just yet.

President Barack Obama had announced that the U.S. would normalize relations with the island's Communist government and open a U.S. embassy sometime next year.

In an interview with MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell, Johnson says policy change won't impact immigration rules for now. He added that Cubans should not to try to come to the U.S. illegally.

Under current law Cubans who make it to U.S. soil, by sea or land, are generally allowed to permanently stay in the country under certain conditions. Most other immigrants face deportation if caught trying to sneak into the country. -AP

„ Mexican woman awarded $25K in lawsuit PHOENIX: A federal court has awarded more than $25,000 to a Mexican woman who claimed her five-day detention at an immigration office in Arizona two years ago was an illegal arrest.

The judgment came after the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit three months ago on behalf of Maria del Rosario Cortes Camacho, alleging constitutional violations in how the Pinal County sheriff's office enforced Arizona's landmark immigration enforcement law.

The U.S. District Court in Phoenix awarded Cortes $25,001 ``plus taxable costs including reasonable attorney's fees.''

Defendants in the suit were Pinal County, Sheriff Paul Babeu and two sheriff's deputies. ``This was a decision from the Arizona County Insurance Pool, which is shared among 12 counties,'' Babeu said in a statement. ``This was clearly a legal strategy to avoid the hundreds of thousands (of dollars) it would have cost to litigate and represented a better way to get rid of this frivolous lawsuit.''

Cortes, a domestic violence victim who applied for a visa allowing her to remain in the U.S. to assist authorities with the case, alleged the two deputies had unreasonably prolonged the length of a September 2012 traffic stop that was prompted by her cracked windshield. -AP

Immigration

INA offers no clue on what 'visa availability' means

44 India Post

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December 26, 2014

Details on page 45

Immigrants build document trails to remain in US SAN DIEGO: The search for documents is on for immigrants living illegally in the U.S. who may qualify for a work permit and reprieve from deportation under measures President Barack Obama announced last month. Applicants must prove they were in the country continuously since Jan. 1, 2010 - a tall order for many accustomed to avoiding trails. For critics, conditions are ripe for fraud.

The administration has not said which documents it will accept, but advocates are taking guidance from a 2012 reprieve for immigrants who came to the country as young children. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, allows vehicle registrations, baptism records, mortgages, postmarked letters and those are just some suggestions from the agency that vets applications.

Los Angeles immigration attorney Carl Shusterman uses social media postings. A Facebook photo at Disneyland might work. ``It's not the first thing I would use, but if you're here illegally and getting paid in cash, you may not

have as good records as someone paying into Social Security,'' he said. ``How do you prove you were here?''

Laura Lichter, a Denver immigration attorney, has used movie rental receipts, veterinarian bills

``You use what you got,'' she said.

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson told members of Congress this month that fraudulent applications could potentially ``undermine the whole process'' and

Thousands of immigrants arrive early to request information at the Immigration Relief Education forum organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, CHIRLA, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The event looks to educate immigrants on President Obama’s Executive Action announcement expected to prevent the deportation of more than 4 million immigrant families. Applicants must prove they were in the country five years, not an easy task for some living in the shadows.

and customer loyalty programs that detail purchase histories.

he promised to review safeguards.

Citizenship and Immigration Ser-

vices, which vets applications and operates under Johnson's watch, says it has grown its anti-fraud unit and increased ``the scope and frequency'' of vetting.

Some advocate a more aggressive approach.

Louis D. Crocetti Jr., who headed Citizenship and Immigration Services' anti-fraud unit until he retired in 2011, recommends more random interviews of applicants and periodic home visits for recipients of immigration benefits.

He said his audits of various visa programs found double-digit fraud rates, including 33 percent for religious workers in 2005 and 13 percent for high-tech workers in 2008.

The government plans to begin accepting applications by midFebruary for immigrants eligible for an expanded version of DACA and by mid-May for parents of U.S. citizens and legal residents.

Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Leon Rodriguez said the agency will hire as many as 1,000 officers to process applications. The agency says hires will get several weeks of training.

Cont'd on Page 45

Arpaio to cede immigration-enforcement foothold PHOENIX: An Arizona sheriff known for crackdowns on people living in the country illegally is giving up his last major foothold in immigration enforcement efforts that won him popularity among voters but gradually were reined in by Washington and the courts.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's office revealed that it was agreeing to disband a controversial squad that has raided businesses to arrest more than 700 immigrants who were charged with using fake or stolen IDs to get jobs. ``He has proved that when he gets involved in immigration enforcement, he tramples on the U.S. Constitution, at great expense to taxpayers and public safety,'' said Cecillia Wang, an American Civil Liberties Union lawyer who won a racial profiling case against Arpaio's office.

The revelation that Arpaio was

voluntarily closing his criminal employment squad comes after the sheriff's office was stripped of special federal immigration powers, found to have racially profiled Latinos in traffic stops, and investigated by federal authorities for alleged civil rights violations. The courts also have thrown out many of Arizona's immigration laws.

Arpaio still retains limited power to confront illegal immigration, such as a civil law that imposes business-license punishments on employers who knowingly hire immigrants in the country illegally.

The sheriff's office didn't respond to a request to interview Arpaio. But it issued a statement

saying the squad will be disbanded early next year, and that

Joe Arpaio

grant money used in the enforcement of the ID theft laws will be returned to the state.

The sheriff's road to immigration enforcement began in 2005 as

voter frustrations grew over the state's status as the then-busiest in immigrant smuggling and state lawmakers started responding to their complaints about Arizona's porous border with Mexico.

Like other local police bosses, Arpaio previously left immigration enforcement to federal authorities.

He explained his decision to enter immigration enforcement as addressing a public safety concern. And he eventually set up squads that focused on immigrant smuggling and businesses that hired immigrants. ``We don't go after the addicts on the street,'' Arpaio said in a 2005 interview about his newly formed smuggling squad, likening his immigration crackdown with his approach to investigating drug cases. ``We go after the peddlers.

Same philosophy.''

Cont'd on Page 45

Immigration Post

December 26, 2014

India Post 45

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INA offers no clue on what 'visa availability' means

M

ost of the commentary and attention on the re cent blizzard of White House and DHS memoranda on immigration reform quite properly fell on executive initiatives to bring the undocumented and their parents in from the shadows. This is what the Administration clearly cares most about for logical political reasons.

The White House perception, rightly or wrongly, is that the ever growing Hispanic constituency that the President wants to win over simply is not deeply concerned with having a more rational legal immigration system. Yet, there are a variety of positive steps that DHS Secretary Johnson out-

GARY ENDELMAN & CYRUS D. MEHTA

round.

Now that we have had a chance to exhale, a nagging doubt clouds this emerging optimism: Is early adjustment of status really what is contemplated? While White House briefings and talking points certainly suggested this was the case, a stubborn yet deliberate reading of the various memoranda uncovers no explicit mention of early adjustment, only an intention to foster clarity, predictability, and transferability once the USCIS has approved an employment-based immigrant visa petition, Form I140. DHS Secretary Johnson offers only the following: "I direct that USCIS carefully consider other regulatory or policy

The White House perception, rightly or wrongly, is that the ever growing Hispanic constituency that the President wants to win over simply is not deeply concerned with having a more rational legal immigration system. lined which do offer real benefits to workers and employers alike who know suffer from the sclerotic effects of chronic visa backlogs.

The most promising innovation is the anticipated ability for the beneficiaries of approved I-140 petitions to apply for adjustment of status even in the absence of current priority dates. That, we all enthused, was something to rally

changes to better assist and provide stability to the beneficiaries of approved employment-based immigrant visa petitions. Specifically, USCIS should consider amending its regulations to ensure that approved, long-standing visa petitions remain valid in certain cases where they seek to change jobs or employers."

Some doubting voices now

raise up the possibility that the next step after I-140 approval will fall short of I-485 submission, perhaps only going so far as to allow for the granting of advance parole travel permission and issuance of employment authorization documents. We do not know if such doubts are justified but right now to explain why, if true, this is a very bad idea especially if it is offered without early I485 submission as an alternative Let's start with the reasons why allowing for early adjustment of status makes sense. We acknowledge that INA ยง 245(a) (3) only allows the filing of an I-485 application when the visa is "immediately available" to the applicant. What may be less well known, though no less important, is the fact that the INA itself offers no clue as to what "visa availability" means.

While it has always been linked to the monthly State Department Visa Bulletin, this is not the only definition that can be employed.

Therefore, we propose a way for USCIS to allow for an I-485 filing before the priority date becomes current, and still be faithful to ยง 245(a)(3).

The only regulation that defines visa availability is 8 C.F.R. ยง 245.1(g) (1), which provides: "An alien is ineligible for the benefits of section 245 of the Act unless an immigrant visa is immediately available to him or her at the time the application is filed. If the applicant is a preference alien, the current Department of State

Immigrants build document trails to remain in US Cont'd from Page 44

Attorneys expect children's birth certificates will be required for parents of U.S. citizens. School transcripts, bank statements and vaccination records also will be in demand.

Irwin Diaz, a San Diego construction worker who came to the country illegally in 1990, would use paycheck stubs if he applies but says employment records are tricky for anyone who worked under an assumed Social Security number. ``Whatever everyone like me is trying to do is see if we're eligible, see if they have any tickets they owed or things like that,'' said Diaz, 31. ``It's people in the shadows.''

School administrators say DACA prepared them. The Los Angeles Unified School District received 16,000 requests for transcripts and enrollment records after the program was announced in 2012, requiring the creation of a new record processing system and

hiring. In Houston, hundreds lined up for records each day for months.

More than 700,000 people have applied for DACA since 2012, with 87 percent approved, 5 percent denied and the rest pending. Applicants must go to a government of-

``Who's going to spend $500, plus expose themselves to potential backlash?'' Lichter said. ``It's just not going to work. It's going to sour people.'' fice to give fingerprints, which are scanned against law enforcement databases. They are typically not interviewed but are often asked to provide additional documents.

Advocates warn that rigor-

ously grilling applicants may dampen interest in one of Obama's signature initiatives. An estimated 5 million people are expected to be eligible, but some may worry that admitting they are in the country illegally will expose them to deportation. Permits last three years, and it is unknown how the next president will act.

Application fees, which are $465 for DACA, may also be a deterrent. ``Who's going to spend $500, plus expose themselves to potential backlash?'' Lichter said. ``It's just not going to work. It's going to sour people.''

Prakash Khatri, Citizenship and Immigration Services' ombudsman from 2003 to 2008, said there is little incentive to lie because getting caught would erase any prospects of permanent legal status.

Technology advances have made lying more difficult since a 1980s amnesty that was widely perceived to be tainted by document fraud, Khatri said. -AP

Bureau of Consular Affairs Visa Bulletin will be consulted to determine whether an immigrant visa is immediately available. An immigrant visa is considered available for accepting and processing the application Form I-485 [if] the preference category applicant has a

are current). An immigrant visa is also considered immediately available if the applicant establishes eligibility for the benefits of Public Law 101-238. Information concerning the immediate availability of an immigrant visa may be obtained at any Service office."

Some doubting voices now raise up the possibility that the next step after I-140 approval will fall short of I-485 submission, perhaps only going so far as to allow for the granting of advance parole travel permission and issuance of employment authorization documents. priority date on the waiting list which is earlier than the date shown in the Bulletin (or the Bulletin shows that numbers for visa applicants in his or her category

To be continued * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law

Former Assistant Stateย s Attorney

Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc.

1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1

http://www.proy-singh.com

2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Tel: 773-381-1820 Chicago, IL 60659

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UK to send home foreign students after courses LONDON: The UK government has indicated new plans to send back foreign graduates, who come here on student visas, to their home countries at the end of their courses, a move that could affect the enrolment from India in British universities, media reports said.

UK home secretary Theresa May is demanding that the Conservative party's next manifesto in Britain to include a pledge forcing students from outside the European Union to leave the UK and apply for a fresh visa from abroad.

The new move could lead to the sharp dip in the number of Indian students coming to UK for higher studies, and they are set to be displaced as the Britain's secondlargest group of foreign students.

Presently, students largely from China and India can switch easily to a work visa and are able to work after their course ends.

A recent British Council study found that Indians are choosing US universities over the UK colleges due to strict visa norms on post-study work.

Around 30,000 students from India were studying at UK higher education institutions in 2011-12, compared to 40,000 in 2012-13. The figure is set to register a further drop in 2013-14.

The home secretary wants a future Conservative government to "move towards zero net student migration" by sending home those who come to Britain on student visas, The Sunday Times reported.

Under the home secretary's proposals, colleges and universities would be fined and stripped of the right to sponsor foreign students if they failed to ensure that students left the country.

May's decision came after official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that 121,000 non-EU students en-

tered the UK in the year to June, out of which only 51,000 left and 70,000 stayed behind in just one year.

The business department has calculated that the number of foreign students coming to the UK will rise by more than six per cent

a year up to 2020.

The home secretary has warned Prime Minister David Cameron that failure to act on foreign students will make it impossible for him to hit his target of annual net migration in the tens of thousands.-PTI

UK immigration system in intensive care: Keith Vaz LONDON: A parliamentary committee led by Britain's seniormost Indian-origin MP Keith Vaz has strongly criticized the UK's immigration system, saying it is in "intensive care".

Vaz, chair of the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, warned of impending chaos with border exit checks from April 2015.

"Our immigration system has left A&E (accident and emergency) and has entered intensive care," he said, in reference to the latest six-monthly report on the state of the immigration system.

The key area of concern highlighted by the report is the government's plans to introduce exit checks at British ports.

Vaz said MPs had been assured that, by April 2015, a new system of "departure lists" would be in place for all passengers leaving the UK but the report says this "no longer looks likely".

It follows more than a decade of problems and delays in the "eborders" project, a scheme devised by the Labor government in 2003 to count everyone in and out

of the UK by collecting advanced passenger information.

"Successive governments have spent millions of pounds of taxpayers' money on the botched e-borders program. Everyone who enters and leaves Britain must be counted in and out," he added.

In its report on the immigration directorates formed when the UK

Keith Vaz

Border Agency was split into two parts, the committee criticized the Home Office over the target to reduce net migration to fewer than 100,000.

It said this was "too blunt" and "unwieldy".

The report said: "No government of whatever political forma-

tion can control the number of people who voluntarily wish to leave the country.

"This raises questions about future immigration policy.

An arbitrary target set by ministers, however well-intentioned, only serves to reduce public confidence in the ability of any government to deliver a future pledge on immigration."

Last month, UK home secretary Theresa May acknowledged the target was "unlikely to be met" before the general election.

The committee also attacked the Home Office for "poor recordkeeping" over foreign nationals convicted of a criminal offence.

"The public simply cannot understand why people convicted of a criminal offence in our country who are of different nationality are either still in the UK in prison and have not been sent back to their home country, or are at large in the community," Vaz said.

However, UK immigration minister James Brokenshire said the government was building an immigration system which was "fair" to UK citizens and legitimate migrants, and "tough on those who flout the law". -PTI

Immigrant license lawsuit back in Nebraska court LINCOLN, Neb.: A federal judge has sent a lawsuit challenging Nebraska's practice of denying driver's licenses to some immigrants back to a state court, saying the lawsuit doesn't raise a definitive federal issue.

Chief U.S. District Judge Laurie Smith Camp issued an order rejecting the state's motion that declared the federal court as the best venue for the lawsuit, the Lincoln Journal Star reported.

Nebraska refuses to issue driver's licenses to participants in President Barack Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which was enacted in the summer of 2012. The program allows people brought to the U.S. illegally as children to work in the country, and protects them from deportation for two years.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit last year in Lancaster County District Court on behalf of four Omaha residents.

The lawsuit says Nebraska officials violated state law that requires state agencies to go through a public hearing and comment period before making significant changes to state rules and regulations. It also says the policy also violates the state constitution's right to due process and equal protection. ``This court cannot conclude that plaintiffs' claim necessarily raises a federal issue at all, let alone one that is disputed and substantial,'' Smith Camp wrote in her order.

The ACLU of Nebraska lauded Smith Camp's ruling. ``This is an important procedural victory that will ensure the case can move forward without additional delay,'' said Danielle Conrad, executive director of the Nebraska ACLU. ``The state's policy to discriminate against lawfully present young people is unacceptable.' -AP

Arpaio to cede immigrationenforcement foothold Cont'd from Page 44

His supporters have said the sheriff was the only local police boss to do something about illegal immigration in the face of inadequate federal enforcement.

Critics say Arpaio picked on powerless immigrants because it was popular with voters. They said Arpaio focused too much on rank-and-file immigrants and gave too little scrutiny to smugglers and employers who hired immigrants in the country illegally.

Arpaio's immigration efforts reached their peak around 2010 when he launched immigration patrols known as ``sweeps.''

During those stings, deputies flooded part of a city - in some cases, heavily Latino areas - over several days to seek out traffic violators and other offenders.

Immigrants who were in the country illegally accounted for 57 percent of the 1,500 people arrested in the 20 sweeps conducted by his office since January 2008, according to figures provided by Arpaio's office.

But a backlash was brewing in Washington and in the courts.

In late 2009, Washington stripped some of his deputies of their power to make federal immigration arrests.

A federal judge last year ruled Arpaio's office systematically racially profiled Latinos in traffic and

special immigration patrols. The sheriff vigorously denies the court's conclusions.

Arpaio's now-disbanded immigrant smuggling squad recently came under scrutiny from the judge in the profiling case after allegations of misconduct surfaced this year, including whether a squad member was shaking down people who were in the country illegally.

The sheriff himself has been criticized by the profiling case's judge for not embracing the changes needed to remedy constitutional problems with some of his

Deputies flooded part of a city - in some cases, heavily Latino areas - over several days to seek out traffic violators and other offenders. agency's traffic stops. The judge is moving closer to launching a contempt-of-court case against Arpaio for repeatedly disregarding orders in the profiling case.

Even though his involvement in immigration enforcement has gradually dwindled over the years, Arpaio still speaks up on the subject.-AP

Datebook

December 26, 2014

NEW JERSEY

NEW YORK

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Upcoming

Upcoming

Upcoming

Fri, Dec 26 • Tribute To Jagjit and Chitra

Wed, Dec 31 • 11th Annual New Years Eve

Venue: Edison Hotel, 3050,Woodbridge Ave, Edison, NJ 08837 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 732-277-6687

Fri, Dec 26 • YAK Qadam Pesh Tour - SFO

Blowout

Venue: The Golden Peacock, 24989 Santa Clara St, Hayward, CA 94544 Timet: 8:00 pm

Wed, Dec 31

• Bollywood NYE King & Queen Competition Venue: Hotel Executive Suites, 30 Minue St, Carteret, NJ 07008 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 732-703-6661

Wed, Dec 31 • Srushti Events - New Years Eve 2015 Venue: Royal Alberts Palace, 1050 King Georges Post Rd, Edison, NJ 08837 Time : 08:00 pm Contact: 732-485-7504

Venue: The World Fair Marina Restaurant and Banquet Hall, 1 Worlds Fair Marina Flushing, NY 11369 Time : 8:00 pm

Wed, Dec 31 • Harry Malhotras New Year Eve Masquerade Ball 2015 Venue: Antuns by Minar, 244 W Old Country Rd, Hicksville, NY 11801 Time : 08:00 pm Contact: 917-325-4903

Fri, Jan 9 • Ladies Meditation Group 50+ Venue: Home, 24 Berry Hill Road, Syosset, NY 11791 Time: 08:00 pm

India Post 47

Wed, Dec 31 • Hungama 2015 At Amaya Lounge

Venue: Amaya Banquet and Lounge, 7850 Beach Boulevard , Buena Park, CA 90620 Timet: 7:30 pm Contact: 562-577-0865

Wed, Dec 31 • Hollywood Bhangra - Xmas

Bhangra Theme Party - Last One of 2014

Venue: Metropolitan, 652 N La Peer Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90069 Timet: 10:00 pm

Wed, Dec 31 • The Biggest International Bollywood New Years Eve Ball Rhythm 2014

Wed, Dec 31 • ICCs New Years Eve 2015 Venue: India Community Center, 525 Los Coches Street, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 8:00 pm.

Wec, Dec 31 • The Biggest International Bollywood New Years Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 39900 Balentine Dr, Fremont-Newark, CA 94560 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 510-432-6385

ATLANTA Upcoming Wed, Dec 31 • Welcome 2015 New year Bash

Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 39900 Balentine Dr, Fremont-Newark, CA 94560 Time: 07:00 pm Contact: 510-432-6385

Venue: Adora Hall, 12200 N Mopac Expy, Austin, TX 78758 Time: 7:00 pm

Wed, Dec 31 • PREETYSHA & SAMEER - New

Wed, Dec 31 • Millennium - New Year Eve Party

Years Bash 2015

Venue: Anaheim Plaza Hotel & Suites, 1700 S.Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802 Time :07:00 pm Contact: 714-397-7224

Venue: Champagne toast at midnight, 25585 Berg Rd, Southfield, MI 48033 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 586-872-0770

Sat, Jan 10 • Practical Application of Gita in Daily Life (Chapter 13-18)

Wed, Dec 31 • Welcome 2015 New year Bash

Venue: Radha Govind Dham LA Center, 5530 Donna Ave, Los Angeles, CA 91356 Time: 7:00 pm Contact : 818-403-3270

Venue: Adora Hall, 12200 N Mopac Expy, Austin, TX 78758 Time: 07:00 pm Contact: 512-351-3108

ILLINOIS Upcoming • J K Yog Satsang and Bal Mukund Hindi Classes are held every 2nd and 4rth Sunday of Month Chicago Satsang Information: J K Yog, Chicago - Swami Mukundananda Venue: Clarion Inn/Waterford Banquets, Board Room, 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126 Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807 Website: www.jkyog.org

1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105Time: 5:30 pm

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December 26, 2014

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Horoscope

December 26, 2014

India Post

49

www.indiapost.com

Your Weekly Future

by Pandit Parashar

December 26th- January 1st, 2014 (March 21 to April 20)

F

ew developments at work will make you also little nervous. You will spend some memorable time with children this week. Your ideas are brilliant and you should continue working on them. Party will be entertaining and you will get to know more people closely. Long overdue payment may also show up in mail. Students may sign up for a very important exam.

(April 21 to May 20)

S

ome of you may take extra day off from work and travel to a nice place with family this week.

Some of you may also purchase another vehicle this week. Good week for brokers as a big deal will close. Just do not take any chance with weather this week. An old friend will call and ultimately discuss some business ideas.

(May 21 to June 20)

I

t will be an expensive week.

You will go slightly out of normal and enjoy life with family and in the process end up meeting new people and make friends with them. Money you never expected, will show up in your mail. You may take it slight easy but keep working on a great plan. Going for another franchise is a good idea. You can almost smell victory in legal matter.

(June 21 to July 22)

I

f you follow ideas given by spouse, you will add little spice to life this week. You will be content with the recent change at work and look forward to take advantage of it. Change in diet will bring numbers down. You will continue working on a great business plan and discuss it few times with prospective partners.

(July 23 to August 22)

(November 23 to December 22)

O

pportunity will be lucrative but you will need to relocate and this could be the reason that you may back off. New line of products will help you gain an edge over competition. Watch out for number of drinks at the party. You may be spending little money on minor repairs to a vehicle. You may also dispose off some stocks and wait next year to buy them back.

(August 23 to September 22)

M

ind will be full of few bright ideas and you will start searching for ideal partners. You may get positive response from every one you get in touch with. Some of you may be taking a short trip in East direction. Check all electric gadgets before you go out of home this week. There is a good chance of winning money in games of speculation and lottery.

(September 23 to October 22)

T

here is absolutely no harm in being ambitious but do not stretch your limits in order to go for your goal. Any investment in property at this point will be lucky. Some of you may travel to an agricultural area with family for a short time. Your actions will reflect courage. You may also get some kind of clearance from a government agency during the week.

(October 23 to November 22)

Y

ou may miss a religious event and opt to go to a big party instead. Your calculations are on the mark and you should keep moving forward with your plans with full steam.

Right eye may give some trouble. You will spend most of the time away from home this week. Chances of winning money through speculations and lottery still strong. Health will improve.

PANDIT PARASHAR, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations.

He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com

Y

ou should take advantage of the opportunity before the other party change their mind. Money will go on taking family out on a short trip and recreation. Try to cut down on spicy food or red meat if possible. You may still keep gathering papers but wait for another week to apply. If you just hang to those stocks, they will turn profitable soon.

(December 22 to January 19)

P

ositive developments will cause lots of excitement in life. Presence of Venus and Mercury in first will change your mind and mood and you will enjoy life with family this week. A short pleasure trip is also in the air. Some of you may accept the new offer and start working on relocation plans for next week.

(January 20 to February 18)

Y

ou may take off from work to enjoy with family.

Will be better to cut down on caffeine and nicotine. You may be working with a successful person on a great plan. You may also dispose off some stocks and wait. You will get to meet many old friends at the party. Some electric gadget will need to be replaced in kitchen. Just drive little carefully this week.

(February 19 to March 20)

W

eek very favorable for all money matters.

People in business will experience good sales. You will also make a very calculated move in career and spouse will support your ideas. Trip with family to a new place will be relaxing. You may slightly stretch your limit and buy some expensive gift for someone. Many good things done in the past will make you famous.

510-886-4370 www.parashar.com

50 India Post

www.indiapost.com

PREETI VERMA LAL

O

ne step into Geneva and I thought the Swiss city could pass off as a picturesque postcard. History walking hand in hand with literature; a river feeding a lake; a water jet spitting 500 liters every second; mountains standing like sentinels; a flower clock ticking languorously; cobbled pathways walking into churches‌ That December night, however, Geneva looked like a pretty girl dressed in sequins. Gig lamps symmetrically arranged over buildings, bridges, corners, churches; the city in an eternal festive mood. As I walked by a cobbled street, I noticed the Rasoi neon sign on the gigantic wall of Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Kristelle Gentina of Geneva Tourism Board had highly recommended Rasoi, the first Michelin-star fine dining Indian restaurant in the city. The Genevese are literally eating out of the hands of Vineet Bhatia, one of the world's most successful Indian chefs who also runs Rasoi in London.

Curious, I stepped into Mandarin Hotel. By the door stood a painted cow called Marguerite. At the entrance of Rasoi red gerberas and votive lamps were floating in a clay urli and books by Vineet lay on a black table. I turned right and lo! there was the kitchen with saffron walls, spices in tiny bowls and glazed maida balls all prepped to be rolled and cooked in the tandoor.

Cont'd on Page 52

December 26, 2014

India Post 51

December 26, 2014 www.indiapost.com

Big B is Twitter king too A

mitabh Bachchan's fans are truly elated with the recent report regarding Twitter.

The analysis done on Bollywood stars revealed Big B as the number one celeb on Twitter, in terms of both his activity and popularity as well.

Amitabh has a whopping 12 million followers; no doubt he topped the popularity list when digital service provider 'To The New' rated Bollywood personalities! The ranking system is based on a method that relies on three parameters- the number of tweets per day, the number of followers and also the absolute increase in followers. On an average, Bachchan has 20 tweets, replies and re-tweets daily. But fans were a bit disappointed since he did not

make it to the top 100 on the global ranking; he currently stands on number 115.

Another aspect of the report focused on examining the top 100 tweets of top 10 celebs through-

Amitabh Bachchan

out November. The results revealed that most of the tweets were regarding conversation with fans, promotion of films as well as brands. As for Amitabh Bachchan, 88 % of his tweets deal with interaction with his fans. Moreover, he loves to re-tweet on images depicting some of his best roles form his movies. He was grateful to fans when he crossed 7 million on November 5th "Thank you AALLLLLLL..Its 7 MILLION plus !!"

SRK stands second in India with 10.4 million followers and holds rank number 150 on the global rankings. About 16 % of Shahrukh's tweets are concerned with the promotion of his newly released and upcoming movies.

While 61 % of his tweets account

for his communication with fans.

He is followed by Aamir Khan at 10.1 million. 54 % of his tweets deal with the promotion of brands, but Mr. Perfectionist has not been very active this year. His tweets were mainly focused on the promotion of his upcoming films and his show 'Satyamev Jayate'.

Among the actresses, Priyanka Chopra tops the list with 8 million followers. Abhiskek Bachchan has 5.4 million fans following him and he stands second in terms of the average number of tweets- being10 per day.

The market director for twitter India, Rishi Jaitly said, "This year was a breakthrough year for Indians using Twitter to connect to their world and heroes such as Amitabh Bachchan and Sachin Tendulkar with 12 million and nearly 5 million followers. We are proud to feature them on the year of Twitter site." Moreover, the top five most influential tweets by Bollywood personalities will be featured in the 'Perspective' section of 2014.twitter.com

Another Waheed tale with Kashmir as a canvas NEW DELHI: The notion that authors, whose debut books have turned out to be bestsellers, find themselves under pressure while writing successive books is nothing more than a mere myth, says writer Mirza Waheed.

"There is nothing like a 'second novel syndrome'. There is no such pressure if your debut has been well received and an expectation the second one should be the same. At least not for me," Mirza told PTI in an interview.

Mirza's debut book "The Collaborators" about his experiences of growing up in Kashmir was shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award and the Shakti Bhatt Prize.

"Award or bestseller list do motivate authors but that definitely doesn't lead to a pressure when they write further," he says.

Mriza's new fiction work, "The Book of Gold Leaves" published

by Penguin is another tale with Kashmir as a canvass.

"I was very clear of the location and setting it where the entire se-

quence of events is going to happen. I did not want to settle it at any other place...somehow it makes

Mirza Waheed

me feel in a comfort zone," says

Mirza who was born and brought up in Srinagar before he moved to Delhi and then to London.

"If I had to set it in Cambodia, I would have to read a lot about it or probably live there for few years for getting the details right," he adds.

The new fiction is an age-old love story of a Sunni boy and Shia girl, set in the Valley during the 90s.

"I have been thinking about this story for years, not in full blown form but images, sketches, a loose story of this girl and boy and the area have been in my mind for long," he says.

Cont'd on Page 52

52 India Post

December 26, 2014 www.indiapost.com

Heroine-centric trend has picked up

D

elighted with heroine-cen tric roles fetching impor tance in Hindi movies of late, Bollywood actress Amrita Rao said that she would play such characters in the days to come.

"After Queen, a heroine-driven film trend has picked up in Bollywood. I am going to appear in such films which are heroinebased in the days to come," Amrita Rao, who had come to take part at a function at a school, told reporters here.

She recalled how she was offered roles in women-centric movies in the past but she had turned down such offers, presuming that it would not attract movie goers.

To a question, the actress replied that she thought that her romantic movie 'Vivah' would always enliven audiences.

She said that she gave per-eminence to small screen over the big screen, adding that TV was the medium, which telecasts movies and makes artistes immortal.

Mom thinks Ranbir not ready for marriage

N

ow that Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif have re portedly moved in together, the buzz is strong that a marriage is in the works. While the couple is tightlipped about their relationship status, Ranbir's mother Neetu Kapoor was more forthcoming at a recent event.

When asked about when Ranbir will be tying the knot, she said, "See whenever he is ready, we are ready. It's all up to him‌ I really have no clue. Because aaj kal ke bachchon ka kuch pata

nahi hota."

She went on to add that as a mother, she wants Ranbir to tie the knot. "As a mother of course I do want him to get married soon. But I don't think he is ready. I don't know maybe in a year or two years," she added.

R e c e n t l y, N e e t u c r e a t e d controversy when she edited out Katrina's image from a family photograph which featured her along with Ranbir. She had posted that image on Instagram.

Amrita Rao

Rasoi dishes to fill the soul

Neetu Kapoor

Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif

Another Waheed tale with Genevese eating out of the hands Kashmir as a canvas of Vineet Bhatia Cont'd from Page 50

Inside, the dĂŠcor borrowed heavily from burgundy and black palette. On white linen, silver/white plates were arranged tidily and a red candle flickered in a tall stand.

Rasoi does not shed the ancient

and traditional; it metamorphoses it into contemporary chic.

In Rasoi, the food is progressive. Indian with a modern twist.

Open only for lunch and dinner, Rasoi has a la carte, tasting menus as well as business thalis. The menu options range from lunch

menu, gourmand menu, vegetarian gourmand menu, desserts and a large wine list.

For 155 Swiss Francs, the Gourmand menu begins with salmon panna cotta crab 'chaat; tomato biscuit coriander gel, olive caviar, tomato-lemongrass sauce, followed by grilled curry leaf-ginger lobster, broccoli khichdi; coconut chicken tikka; orange sorbet and basil mojito as a palate cleanser.

That's not all, though.

There's smoked tandoori lamb filet, okra fritters, lamb samosa.

All this concluded with Rasgulla chocolate cheesecake, saffron lego kulfi, ginger gel‌ Vegetarians need not be disheartened. There's a vegetarian gourmand menu as well. In Rasoi, food is not merely about taste; it is so beautifully presented that you would not want to dig your fork into such an artsy platter. After the six-course gourmand meal in Rasoi by Vineet in Geneva, I redefined food. Food is not meant to satiate hunger or fill a stomach. Here, dishes fill the soul. Artistically.

Cont'd from Page 51

"I work in a different manner. I set a plot and I then visit those places to verify them and rework on the draft to see how can I add details to make the story more realistic," he adds.

Mirza shares, "Despite having the story in my mind for years, once I was done with the draft I went to Kashmir and explored the areas I have mentioned in the book."

"I even hired a boat to row through the river I have written about in the book to see if I described the details in an apt way, and I was glad I did not have to make many changes when I got back," he says.

Asked whether he has dipped into real life to etch out characters of his new book in which he has kept the locations real, Mirza says, "The book is totally a piece of fiction. But as all fiction writers say, 'you draw from life and the characters do belong to the real world', same applies to my novel too."

The author says he is working on his next book, a memoir of his childhood.

"It will be another book with a Kashmir angle to it but not set in Kashmir. It will be a memoir of

"I even hired a boat to row through the river I have written about in the book to see if I described the details in an apt way growing up in picture postcard perfect beautiful place for years," he says.

Mirza says non-fiction is just not his type.

"It is just not my type, my taste or may be something I would do justice too. My next would be another fiction but not set in Kashmir. I will choose England this time," he says. -PTI

Philosophy

December 26, 2014

India Post 53

www.indiapost.com

Page Sponsored by Sahanis RAMANA MAHARISHI

A

s all living beings desire to be happy always, without misery, as in the case of everyone there is observed supreme love for one's self, and as happiness alone is the cause for love, in order to gain that happiness which is one's nature and which is experienced in the state of deep sleep where there is no mind, one should know one's self. For that, the path of knowledge, the inquiry of the form "Who am I?", is the principal means.

Who am I? The gross body which is composed of the seven humors (dhatus), I am not; the five cognitive sense organs, viz. the senses of hearing, touch, sight, taste, and smell, which apprehend their respective objects, viz. sound, touch, color, taste, and odor, I am not; the five cognitive sense organs, viz. the organs of speech, locomotion, grasping, excretion, and procreation, which have as their respective functions speaking, moving, grasping, excreting, and enjoying, I am not; the five vital airs, prana, etc., which perform respectively the five functions of in-breathing, etc., I am not; even the mind which thinks, I am not; the nescience too, which is endowed only with the residual impressions of objects, and in which there are no objects and no functioning's, I am not.

If I am none of these, then who

MOTHER MEERA

Question: What should we do to receive your Light and help when you are not with us physically?

How can we find the constant inner contact with you? What should we do to progress in our practice, our sadhana? Do you expect anything from those who put in your hands the direction of their life and their sadhana?

Mother Meera: Concerning sadhana, you must do japa when you want to receive my Light and help when I am not physically with you. Only through japa do you have constant inner contact with me. If you want to make any progress in the sadhana, you must practice japa. This is the easy way to remember the Divine. I do not expect anything from any human being, but when they are sincere and serious in their sadhana, it gives me happiness.

Q: Most people who come to you see you only in Darshan. What is the best relationship that they can then develop with you?

MM: The best way to be near me is to remember me. Similarly, to remember the Divine brings the presence. Love, sincerity and aspiration connect us to the Divine.

am I? After negating all of the abovementioned as 'not this', 'not this', that Awareness which alone remains - that I am.

What is the nature of Awareness?

The nature of Awareness is existence-consciousness-bliss When will the realization of the Self be gained?

When the world which is whatis-seen has been removed, there will be realization of the Self which

is the substrate will not arise unless the false knowledge of the illusory serpent goes, so the realization of the Self which is the substrate will not be gained unless the belief that the world is real is removed.

When will the world which is the object seen be removed?

When the mind, which is the cause of all cognition's and of all actions, becomes quiescent, the world will disappear What is the nature of the mind?

Just as the spider emits the thread (of the web) out of itself and again withdraws it into itself, likewise the mind projects the world out of itself and again resolves it into itself. When the mind comes out of the Self, the world appears.

Therefore, when the world appears (to be real), the Self does not appear; and when the Self appears (shines) the world does not appear.

When one persistently inquires into the nature of the mind, the mind will end leaving the Self (as the residue). What is referred to

Self can't be realized if the world is taken as real What is called 'mind' is a wondrous power residing in the Self. It causes all thoughts to arise. Apart from thoughts, there is no such thing as mind.

Ramana Maharishi

Why? The seer and the object seen are like the rope and the snake. Just as the knowledge of the rope which

What is called 'mind' is a wondrous power residing in the Self. It causes all thoughts to arise. Apart from thoughts, there is no such thing as mind. Therefore, thought is the nature of mind. Apart from thoughts, there is no independent entity called the world. In deep sleep there are no thoughts, and there is no world. In the states of waking and dream, there are thoughts, and there is a world also.

as the Self is the Atman. The mind always exists only in dependence on something gross; it cannot stay alone. It is the mind that is called the subtle body or the soul (jiva).

Excerpted from 'Who Am I? (Nan Yar?) The Teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana' at website Maharshisriramanamaharshi.org.

The 135th birth anniversary of Ramana Maharishi will be observed on December 30.

Q: Although I live far away from you, yet I feel your presence strongly and concretely. Is it true or simply imagination?

MM: It is true. Those who have real aspiration for the Divine, wherever they may be in the world, will receive my help and my Light. As a result, their realization will go faster.

Q: During the day, when we feel

aspire for it to come more often.

Q: Could you describe the relation of your mind to that of the devotee?

MM: When the devotee has doubts, I give Light to the mind to see things clearly. This is an ordinary and simple thing for me to do.

It is not that I read his or her mind, but when something is not clear, I

Q: How best can we follow your inner teachings?

MM: When you become aware that there is something you need to understand, ask me inwardly, quite simply, with love and surrender, and I will teach it to you.

Q: I want to devote my life to you, Mother Meera!

MM: It is not necessary to devote

is the seer.

Will there not be realization of the Self even while the world is there (taken as real)?

There will not be.

Love, sincerity & aspiration connect us to the Divine.

It is not necessary to devote or believe in me.

If you are sincere to your guru, master, God, Absolute or to the Divine, it is enough and I will strengthen your faith. the pressure of your presence - in the heart chakra or the head, for example - should we stop what we are doing and pay immediate attention to it?

MM: The presence comes and goes by itself. If possible you can stop your activity to concentrate on it, but whether or not you pay attention to it, it will do as it will. You can

will make it clearer.

Q: How do you know the condition of a person at some distance away?

MM: I see.

Q: What is the best way to communicate with you?

MM: The soul connection is best, it is best to feel it inside - but you can also write.

O seeker, know the true nature of your soul, and identify yourself with it completely. O Lord, (may we attain) the everlasting consciousness of Supreme Light and Joy. May we resolve to dedicate our life to the service of humankind, and uplift them to Divinity.

- Yajur Veda O Brahma, lead us from the unreal to the real. O Brahma, lead us from darkness to light. O Brahma, lead us from death to immortality.

Shanti, Shanti, Shanti, Om. - Brhadaranyaka Upanishad A particle of Its bliss supplies the bliss of the whole universe. Everything becomes enlightened in Its light. All else appears worthless after a sight of that essence. I am indeed of this Supreme Eternal Self.

- Vijnanananka The knower catches in the

Mother Meera

or believe in me. If you are sincere to your guru, master, God, Absolute or to the Divine, it is enough and I will strengthen your faith.

Finally, if you believe in God, that is enough for me.

Excerpted from mmdarshanamerica.com. The 54th birth anniversary of Mother Meera will be celebrated on December 26.

ecstasy of his heart the full light of that Brahman (that Divine Essence) which is indescribable-all pure bliss, incomparable, transcending time, ever free, beyond desire.

-Vivekachudamani

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India Post

December 26, 2014

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Indo-Pak ties in 2015: Through a looking glass

India Post

SALMA MALIK

T

he year is about to end, and keeping true to tradition, it is time for reflection and recollection. However bad the situation may become, the end of year holds an optimism that the coming year would prove better than the previous. 2014 began on a positive note despite the cross-border firings, as India headed for elections.

Although Narendra Modi's election as the Indian prime minister did not come as a surprise, his garnering of the massive mandate was beyond expectation. Ironically, the election was highly reminiscent of the 2013 Pakistan general elections that brought former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif back into power through a massive mandate.

In both cases, the heavy mandates had a lot to do with absence of a strong alternative and the antiincumbency sentiment more than anything else. Both elections also brought a daring third option, where in India's case, the Aam

agenda - and thus interpreted that he would not disturb the economic cart by engaging in conflict; rather he may actually be able to offer trade and commercial cooperation.

A possible third group was the nonchalant, indifferent category that seems to have given up on the re-engagement option. They believe Modi is for India alone and his coming to power will have no effect on the India-Pakistan situation.

Finally, there is the 'silver lining' category, comprising compulsive optimists. To them, if anyone can deliver peace, it's Narendra Modi, and this is the strategic window of opportunity available to both sides to make or break.

In the driving seat All four are partially correct.

Without doubt, this definitely is the right time, and even if New Delhi finds this clichĂŠd, in contrast to Islamabad, the former holds the potential to call the shots - both for the better or worse. A peace

In comparison to Pakistan, India is relatively better-positioned both domestically and otherwise to be in the driving seat.

The window of opportunity is strategic Aadmi Party couldn't defeat the established political vote base, and in Pakistan, the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf has been on a justice-seeking mission for the past several months, with sit-ins and marches across the country.

However, in Pakistan, Modi's campaigning and election to office was closely watched, and has been interpreted differently by different stakeholders.

On one hand, he has been alleged to be the architect of the 2002 Gujarat riots and as a result of his personal beliefs, views, ideological and party affiliations, is not viewed as someone who can deliver peace.

This viewpoint gains further credence with his election manifesto that was heavily anti-Pakistan; spoke of the revision of Article 370 of the Indian constitution pertaining to Kashmir's special status; reviewing of India's nuclear doctrine with the possibility of the adoption of no NFU clause.

The second school of thought, though cautious, was more amiable to the idea of Modi being voted in specifically due to his economic vision and development

offering which is substantive enough to alter the conflict spectrum will not come cheap, and will definitely extract a price. However in comparison to Pakistan, India is relatively better-positioned both domestically and otherwise to be in the driving seat. The window of opportunity is strategic, given how both Sharif and Modi have a common economic vision.

There is also a strong constituency that believes in economic engagement and increased connectivity and doing away with unnecessary red tapes vis-Ă -vis cross-border interaction. Modi enjoys a strong mandate and is not only opening to all countries (except Pakistan) but wants to create a legacy of his own. Can an amicable settlement of relatively minor disputes such as Siachen and Sir Creek help create that space?

Afghanistan too is, for the moment, enjoying a smooth transitional path, especially in terms of security, even if it is externally backed. How long does the "unity government" stay united depends on how prudently both Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah

Abdullah decide their nominees and team. Afghanistan may not be the best proxy field for its eastern neighbors to settle scores. Perhaps it is simplistic to state, but the resumption of cross LoC firing and its geographical scope expanding to the working boundary should be seen as a substitute and viable alternative to open conventional hostilities.

Many argue that these violations are routine and nothing extraordinary. While it's a true estimation, if contextualized under current circumstances, they represent an aggressive, dismissive and proactive India, which at the sub-conventional level, is sending appropriate signals to Islamabad.

Will Islamabad adopt an alarmist approach to any and all antiPakistan statements issued by Modi and his team? Should the 44 plus formula and the revision of Article 370 not be dismissed as a paranoia, as the US insists? If there is a constitutional change in the status of Kashmir, can we afford to ignore the trigger-happy gun-toting non-state actors who are always on a look out for a new conflict?

Does this imply the proactive doctrine initiating in response to the proverbial Mumbai 2.0? If this be the case, then the pessimists have won. However, one thing is certain, that for the moment, Modi has not developed a policy to engage with Pakistan.

One can only hope that that happens sooner than later, as the optimists feel that only the current set-up, given its strengths and capacity to implement change enjoys that strategic window of opportunity. Otherwise, not only will the peace process remain stalemated, but with passage of time, erode peace constituencies.

The recently-concluded SAARC summit demonstrated broad smiles, strong handshakes and applauses from the interested audience. If taken seriously, through the looking glass of 2015, in the alternate universe, SAARC performs in real terms; South Asia is a prosperous region, with high development and growth rankings instead of dismal governance indicators. From Afghanistan to Bangladesh there is increased interconnectivity, and together, the leaders seek a vision of prosperity.

The writer is Assistant professor, Defense and Strategic Studies, Quaid-i-Azam University

Will Pak change?

I

t is being hoped that after the horrendous massacre of more than hundred children in Peshawar, Pakistan will change tack and abandon its policy of nurturing and protecting terrorists.

Initial signs are there. A proactive Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif lifted the moratorium on executions of arrested terrorists just a day after the Peshawar attack and according to reports, 11 terrorists in jail have been executed and 55 more will soon be hanged. Sharif also declared that his government would cease to discriminate between "good" and "bad" Taliban, and would ensure the elimination of all terrorists. Simultaneously, Pakistani warplanes and ground forces killed at least 77 militants in a northwestern tribal region near the Afghan border.

Pakistan's Army Chief General Raheel made an unscheduled visit to Kabul and sought its help to extradite top Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Mullah Fazlullah who is wanted for terrorism cases in Pakistan.

Pakistan's mainstream politicians have so far been intentionally promoting conspiracy theories in order to thwart the possibility of developing a national consensus against terrorism. Imran Khan, the cricket star turned opposition politician, has led this charge.

Imran was in the forefront of those who wanted "talks" with Taliban.

But after the massacre he was seen with Premier Nawaz Sharif promising his support in action against the Taliban.

All this sounds as if Pakistan has indeed turned a page. But some commentators are saying that this massacre incident will also pass away like so many others have without making much impact on the rouge nature of Pakistan's policies. There have been protests against the massacre in some cities of Pakistan but on a small scale, not much to make a lasting impact on the government.

As for the promise not to distinguish between the "good" and "bad" terrorists, it has already been breached. From India's point of view, just a day after the massacre, the mastermind of the Mumbai terrorist attack of 26-11 Zaki ur Rehman Lakhwi has been released on bail. The decision to grant bail to Lakhvi drew sharp criticism from India and surprised many for its timing. Soon thereafter, the government detained him for three more months under Public Maintenance Order in Adiala Jail where the trial is being held. However the prosecution, which was supposed to challenge Islamabad AntiTerrorism Court's decision to grant bail to Lakhvi in the High Court, could not do so as it failed to get a copy of the ATC's order for the second day. These are just excuses of lack of willingness to act against the terrorists who are "good" in so far as they act against Pakistan's enemies without the state of Pakistan getting a bad name.

Not only that. Another terrorist Malik Ishaq, dreaded chief of banned LeJ that has carried out attacks on minority Shias and the mastermind of the assault on the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009, has been released from jail with the Pakistan government not seeking an extension of his detention.

Even after the dreadful killing of Pakistani children, Lashkar e Toiba chief Hafiz Saeed was airing conspiracy theories that India was behind the attack on children in Peshawar and that Taliban was being wrongly blamed. Indeed the son-in-law of Hafiz Saeed and scores of Jama'at-ud-Da'wah preachers fanned out in the districts proclaiming this theory.

Pakistan's leading columnist Hamid Mir says in an article in Indian Express that the "Peshawar tragedy could turn into national strength for fighting terrorism. But the biggest challenge would be coordination between more than 30 intelligence agencies. These powerful agencies should be answerable to parliament. The committee headed by the interior minister will probably try to strengthen the National Counter Terrorism Authority, which is controlled by the civilian government. But will some powerful intelligence agencies agree to come under its supervision?"

As has happened before, it would seem that the said intelligence agencies, namely the ISI, would again be calling the shots.

December 26, 2014

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